Prison Officer
Maintain order in prisons and support rehabilitation of offenders.
This UK prison officer career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £30,000 - £35,000
- Mid-career salary
- £36,000 - £42,000
- Senior salary
- £45,000 - £60,000 (manager)
- Work environment
- Prison, shifts including nights
- Time to entry
- 0 - 12 months
- Degree required
- Not required
- Category
- Public Sector and Emergency Services
What a Prison Officer does
Maintain order in prisons and support rehabilitation of offenders.
- Custodial Manager - Lead a team of officers and run a wing.
How to become a Prison Officer
- Look up Prison Officer roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Prison Officer - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- De-escalation
- Resilience
- Communication
- Decision making