The median annual wage for bailiffs was $41,670 in May 2015. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $22,650, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $73,070.

The median annual wage for correctional officers and jailers was $40,530 in May 2015. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,830, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $73,060.

In addition to receiving typical benefits, correctional officers employed in the public sector usually are provided with uniforms or with a clothing allowance to buy their own uniforms. Many departments offer retirement benefits, although benefits vary.

Correctional officers usually work 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, on rotating shifts. Because jail and prison security must be provided around the clock, officers work all hours of the day and night, weekends and holidays. Some correctional facilities have longer shifts and more days off between scheduled workweeks. Many officers are required to work overtime. Bailiffs' hours are determined by when court is in session.

Union Membership

Compared with workers in all occupations, correctional officers had a higher percentage of workers who belonged to a union in 2014.