GITNUXREPORT 2025

Correctional Officer Statistics

Correctional officers face high stress, understaffing, safety, health, and mental health challenges.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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2. The median annual salary for correctional officers in 2020 was $47,410

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5. The turnover rate for correctional officers is estimated at 15-20% annually

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41. The average tenure of correctional officers is approximately 4.5 years

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63. Correctional officer turnover is higher in facilities with poor leadership and management practices

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14. Only about 15% of correctional officers receive regular mental health training

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27. Correctional officers with over 10 years of experience are more likely to seek mental health services

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29. About 50% of correctional officers have considered leaving the job due to job stress

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35. 55% of correctional officers report a lack of sufficient mental health resources at their workplace

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42. Correctional officers have a 4 times higher risk of experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to the general population

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49. Correctional officers with higher stress levels are 2.3 times more likely to suffer from hypertension

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57. Approximately 25% of correctional facilities have implemented comprehensive mental health crisis intervention programs

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70. The prevalence of PTSD among correctional officers ranges from 15% to 20%, depending on the facility

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71. Correctional officers’ job-related stress accounts for an estimated economic burden of over $1.2 billion annually in mental health treatment costs

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75. Over 70% of correctional officers express a need for improved training in mental health crisis management, but only 22% have access to such training

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1. Approximately 473,000 correctional officers and staff are employed in U.S. prisons and jails

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4. Correctional officer workforce is approximately 55% male and 45% female

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8. About 60% of correctional facilities utilize some form of body cameras for staff

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11. Approximately 20% of correctional officers are veterans

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15. The average age of correctional officers in the U.S. is approximately 40 years old

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17. About 10% of correctional officers identify as members of minority racial or ethnic groups

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19. Training for correctional officers typically lasts between 160-320 hours depending on the state requirements

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22. Approximately 85% of correctional officers are union members

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26. Approximately 70% of correctional officers are dissatisfied with their pay scale

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33. Around 22% of correctional officers hold a college degree or higher

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43. About 15% of correctional officers work in private prisons

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59. Between 2010 and 2020, correctional officer employment grew by 3%, primarily in federal facilities

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67. Approximately 14% of correctional officers hold a firearm permit, and some carry firearms on duty

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73. The proportion of correctional officers working in specialized units (like mental health or drug treatment) has increased by 8% over the past decade

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3. About 8% of correctional officers reported experiencing workplace violence in 2020

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6. Nearly 28% of correctional officers report symptoms of depression

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7. Correctional officers spend an average of 23 hours per week on security-related duties

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9. Less than 10% of correctional officers have access to mental health support at work

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10. In 2019, 32% of correctional officers reported working overtime regularly

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12. Women correctional officers are more likely to experience sexual harassment at work than men

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13. Correctional officers working in maximum-security prisons have a 35% higher risk of injury than those in lower-security facilities

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16. 45% of correctional officers report working in institutions with inadequate staffing levels

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18. Nearly 40% of correctional officers report being dissatisfied with their job

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20. Correctional officers are five times more likely to suffer from hypertension than the general population

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21. Over 25% of correctional officers work night shifts, increasing health risks

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23. The rate of prisoner assaults on correctional staff decreased by 12% between 2016 and 2020

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24. Correctional officers’ deaths from suicides account for around 25% of all officer fatalities annually

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25. Female correctional officers tend to experience lower rates of physical violence compared to their male counterparts

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28. Over 60% of correctional officers have reported sleep disturbances linked to shift work

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30. Correctional officers working in urban facilities are 1.5 times more likely to experience violence than those in rural settings

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31. Nearly 40% of correctional officers report exposure to traumatic incidents at least once every six months

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32. Approximately 65% of correctional officers believe their work environment is unsafe

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34. Correctional officers with higher education levels are less likely to experience injuries on the job

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36. About 20% of correctional officers are classified as obese, which is higher than the national average

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37. The average annual cost of firefighter-rated injuries among correctional staff is estimated at $10 million

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38. Correctional officers’ risk of heart disease is nearly twice that of the general population

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39. More than 25% of correctional officers report insufficient training for handling mental health crises

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40. Over 50% of correctional officers experience burnout within their first five years of employment

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44. Nearly 70% of correctional officers report that understaffing hinders their ability to perform their duties effectively

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45. Less than 20% of correctional officers utilize available counseling services, indicating a stigma around mental health

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46. Correctional officers working night shifts have a 25% higher incidence of gastrointestinal issues than day shift workers

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47. Nearly 35% of correctional officers report being threatened verbally at least once a month

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48. Approximately 12% of correctional officers are injured seriously enough to require time off from work annually

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50. Nearly 30% of correctional staff report poor job satisfaction due to safety concerns

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51. About 40% of correctional officers are exposed to prison contraband, such as drugs or weapons, during their shifts

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52. The rate of officer-on-inmate violence is less than 1% annually, showing relatively low incident rates but high impact

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53. Correctional officers’ physical activity levels are below recommended health guidelines in 65% of cases, contributing to health risks

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54. About 50% of correctional officers report experiencing sleep deprivation due to shift work, affecting overall health

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55. Routine mental health screening for correctional officers is in place in less than 20% of facilities

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56. Correctional officers’ risk of infectious disease transmission (like hepatitis C) is 4 times higher than in the general population

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58. Nearly 15% of correctional officers have reported experiencing post-traumatic stress symptoms

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60. The average working day for correctional officers includes approximately 11 hours of active duty, including breaks

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61. Correctional officers who receive specialized de-escalation training report 40% fewer violent incidents

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62. About 60% of correctional officers believe inadequate staffing levels compromise safety

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64. Nearly 20% of correctional officers have an alcohol or substance abuse problem, related to job stress

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65. 35,000 correctional officers have died during their service in the past century, mostly from illnesses and violence

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66. Incidents of use of force by correctional officers decreased by 10% from 2018 to 2020

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68. Less than 25% of correctional officers have access to comprehensive wellness programs, including physical and mental health support

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69. Female correctional officers are 1.7 times more likely to report sexual harassment than male officers

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72. Approximately 4% of correctional officers have been diagnosed with a chronic illness such as asthma or diabetes, linked to workplace stress and health risks

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74. Correctional officers report a 50% higher incidence of sleep disorders compared to other law enforcement personnel

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Key Highlights

1. Approximately 473,000 correctional officers and staff are employed in U.S. prisons and jails
2. The median annual salary for correctional officers in 2020 was $47,410
3. About 8% of correctional officers reported experiencing workplace violence in 2020
4. Correctional officer workforce is approximately 55% male and 45% female
5. The turnover rate for correctional officers is estimated at 15-20% annually
6. Nearly 28% of correctional officers report symptoms of depression
7. Correctional officers spend an average of 23 hours per week on security-related duties
8. About 60% of correctional facilities utilize some form of body cameras for staff
9. Less than 10% of correctional officers have access to mental health support at work
10. In 2019, 32% of correctional officers reported working overtime regularly
11. Approximately 20% of correctional officers are veterans
12. Women correctional officers are more likely to experience sexual harassment at work than men
13. Correctional officers working in maximum-security prisons have a 35% higher risk of injury than those in lower-security facilities

Behind bars and under pressure: Exploring the challenging realities faced by the 473,000 correctional officers in the U.S., from high turnover and safety concerns to mental health struggles and the urgent need for better support.

Compensation and Salary Trends

2. The median annual salary for correctional officers in 2020 was $47,410

Compensation and Salary Trends Interpretation

While a median salary of $47,410 in 2020 reflects a stable paycheck for correctional officers, it also highlights the ongoing debate over compensating those who maintain the nation's prison system with the respect and remuneration their vital role deserves.

Employee Turnover and Retention

5. The turnover rate for correctional officers is estimated at 15-20% annually
41. The average tenure of correctional officers is approximately 4.5 years
63. Correctional officer turnover is higher in facilities with poor leadership and management practices

Employee Turnover and Retention Interpretation

High turnover rates and short tenures among correctional officers, especially in poorly managed facilities, underscore a crisis not just of staff retention but of leadership that can make or break the safety and efficacy of the correctional system.

Job-Related Stress and Mental Health

14. Only about 15% of correctional officers receive regular mental health training
27. Correctional officers with over 10 years of experience are more likely to seek mental health services
29. About 50% of correctional officers have considered leaving the job due to job stress
35. 55% of correctional officers report a lack of sufficient mental health resources at their workplace
42. Correctional officers have a 4 times higher risk of experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to the general population
49. Correctional officers with higher stress levels are 2.3 times more likely to suffer from hypertension
57. Approximately 25% of correctional facilities have implemented comprehensive mental health crisis intervention programs
70. The prevalence of PTSD among correctional officers ranges from 15% to 20%, depending on the facility
71. Correctional officers’ job-related stress accounts for an estimated economic burden of over $1.2 billion annually in mental health treatment costs
75. Over 70% of correctional officers express a need for improved training in mental health crisis management, but only 22% have access to such training

Job-Related Stress and Mental Health Interpretation

Despite the high toll of trauma and stress, only a sliver of correctional officers receive adequate mental health training or resources, revealing a critical need for systemic reform to safeguard those who keep society behind bars.

Workforce Demographics and Size

1. Approximately 473,000 correctional officers and staff are employed in U.S. prisons and jails
4. Correctional officer workforce is approximately 55% male and 45% female
8. About 60% of correctional facilities utilize some form of body cameras for staff
11. Approximately 20% of correctional officers are veterans
15. The average age of correctional officers in the U.S. is approximately 40 years old
17. About 10% of correctional officers identify as members of minority racial or ethnic groups
19. Training for correctional officers typically lasts between 160-320 hours depending on the state requirements
22. Approximately 85% of correctional officers are union members
26. Approximately 70% of correctional officers are dissatisfied with their pay scale
33. Around 22% of correctional officers hold a college degree or higher
43. About 15% of correctional officers work in private prisons
59. Between 2010 and 2020, correctional officer employment grew by 3%, primarily in federal facilities
67. Approximately 14% of correctional officers hold a firearm permit, and some carry firearms on duty
73. The proportion of correctional officers working in specialized units (like mental health or drug treatment) has increased by 8% over the past decade

Workforce Demographics and Size Interpretation

With over 473,000 U.S. correctional officers—mostly middle-aged, unionized veterans—armed and recorded, yet often underpaid and underappreciated, the correctional system's workforce embodies a paradox: a critical, growing, and diverse force striving to uphold order amid dissatisfaction and evolving responsibilities.

Workplace Challenges and Well-being

3. About 8% of correctional officers reported experiencing workplace violence in 2020
6. Nearly 28% of correctional officers report symptoms of depression
7. Correctional officers spend an average of 23 hours per week on security-related duties
9. Less than 10% of correctional officers have access to mental health support at work
10. In 2019, 32% of correctional officers reported working overtime regularly
12. Women correctional officers are more likely to experience sexual harassment at work than men
13. Correctional officers working in maximum-security prisons have a 35% higher risk of injury than those in lower-security facilities
16. 45% of correctional officers report working in institutions with inadequate staffing levels
18. Nearly 40% of correctional officers report being dissatisfied with their job
20. Correctional officers are five times more likely to suffer from hypertension than the general population
21. Over 25% of correctional officers work night shifts, increasing health risks
23. The rate of prisoner assaults on correctional staff decreased by 12% between 2016 and 2020
24. Correctional officers’ deaths from suicides account for around 25% of all officer fatalities annually
25. Female correctional officers tend to experience lower rates of physical violence compared to their male counterparts
28. Over 60% of correctional officers have reported sleep disturbances linked to shift work
30. Correctional officers working in urban facilities are 1.5 times more likely to experience violence than those in rural settings
31. Nearly 40% of correctional officers report exposure to traumatic incidents at least once every six months
32. Approximately 65% of correctional officers believe their work environment is unsafe
34. Correctional officers with higher education levels are less likely to experience injuries on the job
36. About 20% of correctional officers are classified as obese, which is higher than the national average
37. The average annual cost of firefighter-rated injuries among correctional staff is estimated at $10 million
38. Correctional officers’ risk of heart disease is nearly twice that of the general population
39. More than 25% of correctional officers report insufficient training for handling mental health crises
40. Over 50% of correctional officers experience burnout within their first five years of employment
44. Nearly 70% of correctional officers report that understaffing hinders their ability to perform their duties effectively
45. Less than 20% of correctional officers utilize available counseling services, indicating a stigma around mental health
46. Correctional officers working night shifts have a 25% higher incidence of gastrointestinal issues than day shift workers
47. Nearly 35% of correctional officers report being threatened verbally at least once a month
48. Approximately 12% of correctional officers are injured seriously enough to require time off from work annually
50. Nearly 30% of correctional staff report poor job satisfaction due to safety concerns
51. About 40% of correctional officers are exposed to prison contraband, such as drugs or weapons, during their shifts
52. The rate of officer-on-inmate violence is less than 1% annually, showing relatively low incident rates but high impact
53. Correctional officers’ physical activity levels are below recommended health guidelines in 65% of cases, contributing to health risks
54. About 50% of correctional officers report experiencing sleep deprivation due to shift work, affecting overall health
55. Routine mental health screening for correctional officers is in place in less than 20% of facilities
56. Correctional officers’ risk of infectious disease transmission (like hepatitis C) is 4 times higher than in the general population
58. Nearly 15% of correctional officers have reported experiencing post-traumatic stress symptoms
60. The average working day for correctional officers includes approximately 11 hours of active duty, including breaks
61. Correctional officers who receive specialized de-escalation training report 40% fewer violent incidents
62. About 60% of correctional officers believe inadequate staffing levels compromise safety
64. Nearly 20% of correctional officers have an alcohol or substance abuse problem, related to job stress
65. 35,000 correctional officers have died during their service in the past century, mostly from illnesses and violence
66. Incidents of use of force by correctional officers decreased by 10% from 2018 to 2020
68. Less than 25% of correctional officers have access to comprehensive wellness programs, including physical and mental health support
69. Female correctional officers are 1.7 times more likely to report sexual harassment than male officers
72. Approximately 4% of correctional officers have been diagnosed with a chronic illness such as asthma or diabetes, linked to workplace stress and health risks
74. Correctional officers report a 50% higher incidence of sleep disorders compared to other law enforcement personnel

Workplace Challenges and Well-being Interpretation

Despite efforts to maintain order, correctional officers face a perilous workplace where nearly a third suffer depression, over half feel unsafe, and the trauma, violence, and health risks compounded by understaffing and limited mental health support threaten to turn a badge into a burden.