Correctional Officer Jobs in Arlington, TX
Most Arlington correctional officer work runs through the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office, which staffs the county confinement system in nearby Fort Worth and hires detention officers who supervise inmates around the clock. In Texas these are TCOLE-licensed jailer roles, and the Sheriff's Office recruits year-round through job fairs and its own recruiting unit, making this one of the steadier public-sector entry points in the DFW area.
Current detention officer Openings in Arlington, TX
Listings marked External are sponsored openings provided by the Jobs2Careers network.
Top Arlington Employers Hiring Correctional Officers
Correctional and detention hiring around Arlington is concentrated in county, city, and federal facilities plus a handful of private security firms that staff hospital and transport details:
- Tarrant County Sheriff's Office - detention officers in the county confinement system; the main local employer for this role.
- City of Arlington - municipal jail and detention support roles tied to the Police Department.
- US Bureau of Prisons - the federal facility in Fort Worth hires federal correctional officers.
- MHMR of Tarrant County - forensic and behavioral-health roles that support inmates inside the county jail.
- City of Irving - nearby municipal detention officer openings within commuting range.
- Jet Security - Arlington-based firm that staffs hospital inmate-watch and guard details.
Correctional Officer Salaries in Arlington
- Entry level: about $42,000 to $48,000 a year for new detention officers in training.
- Experienced: roughly $50,000 to $56,000; Tarrant County detention officers report a median near $53,800.
- Senior / supervisor: $58,000 and up for corporals, sergeants, and specialized confinement roles.
These are estimates that vary with agency, shift, and overtime. County and city jobs add strong benefits: state or county retirement, paid academy training, health coverage, and shift differentials for nights and weekends.
How to Become a Correctional Officer in Arlington
Texas requires a jailer to hold a license from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). You need a high school diploma or GED, must be at least 18, pass a background check, drug screen, and physical, and complete a jailer training course and the TCOLE licensing exam. Tarrant County College offers criminal justice coursework that helps candidates prepare, and many agencies sponsor the academy after you are hired. Out-of-state officers must obtain a TCOLE license before applying to the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office.
What the Job Involves
Detention officers supervise inmates confined 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and are responsible for their safe keeping. Day-to-day duties include booking, fingerprinting and photographing arrested persons, conducting searches and screenings, monitoring cell blocks, escorting inmates, preparing meals, maintaining logs, and responding to disturbances. It is shift work that includes nights, weekends, and holidays.
Skills Employers Look For
- Composure and sound judgment under pressure
- Clear verbal and written communication for reports and logs
- Physical fitness to stand, walk, restrain, and respond to emergencies
- Attention to detail for security checks and headcounts
- Integrity and the ability to pass a strict background investigation
- Teamwork and reliability for round-the-clock coverage
Career Path and Advancement
Many Arlington-area officers start as detention officers in the Tarrant County confinement system, then move up to corporal and sergeant or transfer into a Deputy Sheriff cadet slot. Cadets complete an 824-hour Basic Peace Officer academy and pass the TCOLE peace officer exam, which opens the door to patrol, warrants, judicial, and investigations assignments. From there, officers can pursue supervisory ranks or specialized units.
Related Careers in Arlington
If you are weighing correctional work against other public-safety and government roles in Arlington, these are worth a look:
- Police Officer Jobs
- Security Officer Jobs
- Emergency Telecommunicator Jobs
- Code Enforcement Officer Jobs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to be a correctional officer in Texas?
Yes. Texas jailers and detention officers must be licensed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). You complete a jailer training course and pass the TCOLE exam; many agencies, including the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office, sponsor the academy after hiring.
How long does it take to become a correctional officer in Arlington?
If an agency hires and sponsors you, jailer licensing can take a matter of weeks of training plus field time. Moving up to a Deputy Sheriff cadet role adds an 824-hour peace officer academy that runs about 20 weeks.
What is the night-shift and overtime pay like?
County and city facilities run 24/7, so night, weekend, and holiday shifts are common and often carry shift differentials. Overtime is frequent because jails must stay fully staffed, which can push annual take-home pay above the base rate.
Can you do a correctional officer job remotely in Arlington?
No. Detention work is fully on-site inside a secure facility. The role requires physical presence to supervise inmates, conduct searches, and respond to emergencies.
Which Arlington-area employer pays correctional officers the most?
Federal roles with the US Bureau of Prisons facility in Fort Worth often top local pay scales, while the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office offers competitive county pay with strong retirement benefits and clear promotion into peace officer ranks.
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