Key Points

• A correctional officer enforces rules and maintains security in state and county correctional facilities.
• The minimum age to become a correctional officer in Massachusetts is now 19 years old.
• Training includes a 12-week academy and a two-year (2,000-hour) apprenticeship program.
• Correctional officers earn $77,200 per year ($37.12/hour) in Massachusetts (BLS).

What is a Correctional Officer?

A correctional officer (CO) supervises inmates, enforces rules, and ensures the security of prisons, jails, and other detention centers. They play a vital role in maintaining order and supporting rehabilitation programs that help prepare offenders to reintegrate into society.

Typical duties include:

• Conducting security checks and preventing contraband
• Monitoring inmate behavior and resolving conflicts
• Escorting inmates to and from activities
• Writing reports and maintaining detailed facility records
• Assisting in emergency situations and crisis response

Where Do Correctional Officers Work?

Correctional officers in Massachusetts work in a variety of settings managed by the state or county sheriff's departments.

• State Prisons – housing individuals serving sentences
• County Jails – managing pre-trial detainees or those with short-term sentences
• Detention Centers – including specialized juvenile facilities
• Specialized Units – such as maximum-security blocks, tactical response teams, or crisis intervention teams

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Massachusetts?

Becoming a correctional officer in Massachusetts involves meeting state eligibility criteria and completing a multi-stage hiring and training process. The entire process typically takes between six and 12 months before you begin the two-year apprenticeship.

1. Meet Eligibility Requirements

First, ensure you meet all basic qualifications set by the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC). You must be a U.S. citizen, at least 19 years old, and have a high school diploma or GED. You must also be able to pass a comprehensive background investigation and be eligible to obtain a license to carry a firearm.

While a college degree is not required, you can compare criminal justice training programs near you on Dreambound to find schools that may strengthen your application.

2. Pass the Civil Service Exam

The next step is to apply for and pass the Correctional Officer I Civil Service examination. The state offers these exams multiple times per year. This written test assesses your knowledge of correctional procedures, ethics, and security protocols.

3. Complete the Selection Process

Candidates who pass the exam proceed to a selection process that includes a physical fitness test, a medical evaluation, and a thorough background investigation. The background check reviews your criminal, financial, and employment history to confirm your suitability for the role.

4. Graduate from the Recruit Academy

Upon acceptance, you will attend the 12-week Massachusetts DOC Recruit Training Academy. The curriculum covers inmate management, defensive tactics, firearms qualification, de-escalation techniques, and emergency response.

5. Complete the Apprenticeship Program

After graduating from the academy, new officers enter a two-year, 2,000-hour structured apprenticeship program. This on-the-job training includes 150 hours of technical instruction each year, building on the skills learned in the academy.

6. Start Your Career

Once you complete the apprenticeship, you are a fully certified correctional officer eligible for permanent assignment in a prison, jail, or detention center across Massachusetts.

Correctional Officer Salary and Job Outlook in Massachusetts

Correctional officers in the Boston-Cambridge-Nashua metropolitan area earn a mean annual wage of $77,200, which is higher than the national average of $62,760.

However, the long-term employment outlook for this profession in Massachusetts shows a projected decline. The number of correctional officer positions is expected to decrease by 7% from 2024 to 2034.