Correctional officers, known as prison officers in the UK, play an essential role in maintaining order and security within prisons.
Their work involves a wide range of responsibilities, from overseeing the welfare of prisoners to maintaining safety in sometimes challenging environments. In 2024, understanding how much a correctional officer earns is critical for anyone considering this career.
Salaries for correctional officers are set by Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), with pay scales reflecting experience, hours worked, and location.
Officers also receive various benefits, including one of the best pension schemes in the UK, making it an attractive profession for those interested in law enforcement and public safety.
What Are the Correctional Officer Pay Rate in 2024?
In 2024, correctional officer salaries range from £32,000 to £42,000 per year, depending on several factors. The HMPPS pay scales 2024 are influenced by:
- The number of hours worked per week (37, 39, or 41 hours)
- The location of the prison (Inner London, Outer London, South and South East, or other locations)
- The availability of overtime and market supplements
Below is a table outlining the starting salaries for correctional officers, depending on the number of hours worked and the prison location:
Correctional Officer Salaries by Location and Hours (2024)
| Location | 37 hours per week | 39 hours per week | 41 hours per week |
| Inner London | £37,973 | £40,367 | £42,762 |
| Outer London | £36,082 | £38,357 | £40,632 |
| South & South East | £34,448* to £35,948** | £36,494* to £37,994** | £38,541* to £40,041** |
| Other Locations | £32,448 | £34,494 | £36,541 |
(* includes a £2,000 market supplement. ** includes a £3,500 market supplement.)
These salary figures include a 20% unsocial hours allowance, reflecting the unique shift patterns and working hours of correctional officers.
What Is the Starting Salary for New Prison Officers in 2024?
For those starting their career as a prison officer, the starting salary depends on the region and hours worked. Officers begin their careers in Band 3 with a base salary that can range from £32,448 for a 37-hour workweek in most areas to £42,762 for a 41-hour workweek in Inner London.
New recruits are paid for their training period and can choose between working 37, 39, or 41 hours per week after their training is complete. Here is an example of starting salaries based on the number of hours worked:
Starting Salaries for New Prison Officers (2024) by Hours and Monthly Salary Range
| Location | 37 hours per week (Annual) | 39 hours per week (Annual) | 41 hours per week (Annual) | Monthly Salary Range (37-41 hours) |
| Inner London | £37,973 | £40,367 | £42,762 | £3,164 – £3,563 |
| Outer London | £36,082 | £38,357 | £40,632 | £3,007 – £3,386 |
| South & South East | £34,448* to £35,948** | £36,494* to £37,994** | £38,541* to £40,041** | £2,870 – £3,336 |
| Other Locations | £32,448 | £34,494 | £36,541 | £2,704 – £3,045 |
(* includes a £2,000 market supplement. ** includes a £3,500 market supplement.)
How Does Pay Progress for HMPPS Band 6, Band 7, and Band 8 Roles?
As prison officers gain experience and progress through the ranks, they can expect higher salaries. Promotions to more senior positions, such as supervisory roles (Band 6) or management positions (Bands 7 and 8), come with increased responsibilities and higher pay.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical pay progression:
- Band 6 officers (supervisory roles): Earn £31,000 to £35,000 annually.
- Band 7 officers (senior officers): Earn £37,000 to £41,000.
- Band 8 officers (senior management roles): Earn £42,000 to £50,000.
The salary structure reflects the responsibilities that come with each level, ensuring that experienced officers are compensated fairly for their expertise and leadership.
What Additional Benefits and Overtime Pay Are Available for UK Prison Officers?
Correctional officers enjoy a range of benefits beyond their base salary, including:
- Overtime Pay: Officers who work beyond their contracted hours can earn additional income through overtime, which is paid at an enhanced rate.
- Market Supplements: Some prisons offer market supplements as an incentive to work in specific locations. For instance, officers in South East England can receive an additional £2,000 to £3,500 per year, depending on the location.
- Pension Scheme: Correctional officers benefit from one of the best pension schemes available in the UK Civil Service.
- Civil Service Benefits: These include generous holiday allowances, paid sick leave, and access to various schemes such as health and life insurance.
The following table illustrates the market supplement provided in some regions:
Market Supplements for South East Prisons (2024)
| Prison | Market Supplement |
| High Down | £2,000 |
| Swaleside | £3,500 |
| The Mount | £2,000 |
| Woodhill | £3,500 |
These supplements are paid in 12 monthly instalments and are not part of the pensionable salary. They are set to remain in place until 31 March 2025, but future payments will depend on approval from HMPPS and the Treasury.
How Do Regional Differences Impact Correctional Officer Salaries?
Salaries for correctional officers vary significantly across the UK due to differences in the cost of living. The UK is divided into four primary pay regions for correctional officers:
- Inner London
- Outer London
- South and South East
- All other locations across the UK
For example, officers working in Inner London prisons such as Brixton, Pentonville, and Wormwood Scrubs can earn between £37,973 and £42,762 annually depending on the number of hours worked.
In contrast, officers in the South and South East, such as those at Aylesbury or Swaleside, can earn up to £40,041, depending on the prison’s market supplement and working hours.
In other regions across the UK, correctional officers can expect starting salaries between £32,448 and £36,541, depending on their work hours.
Highest Paying Cities for Correctional Officers in the UK
Certain cities in the UK offer higher salaries for correctional officers, often due to a higher demand for staff or local cost of living. Below is a table showing the highest-paying cities for correctional officers in 2024:
| City | Annual Salary |
| Birmingham | £32,691 |
| Rugby | £31,779 |
| Nottingham | £31,056 |
| London | £30,846 |
| Kingston upon Hull | £30,414 |
| Bedford | £29,494 |
| Leeds | £28,736 |
| Lincoln | £26,503 |
| Kilmarnock | £23,873 |
As shown, Birmingham offers one of the highest annual salaries at £32,691, followed by Rugby and Nottingham, with salaries above £31,000. In contrast, cities like Kilmarnock offer lower annual salaries at £23,873, reflecting regional pay differences.
What Are the Challenges and Rewards of Being a Correctional Officer in the UK?
Being a correctional officer is both challenging and rewarding. The role requires officers to manage sometimes volatile environments, deal with individuals serving sentences for serious offences, and maintain security and order in high-pressure situations.
Despite these challenges, correctional officers enjoy:
- Job security: The demand for correctional officers remains steady across the UK.
- Career progression: Officers can move up through the HMPPS bands, increasing their salary and responsibilities.
- Making a difference: Correctional officers play a crucial role in rehabilitating offenders and contributing to public safety.
How Can You Apply for a Correctional Officer Position in the UK?
If you’re interested in becoming a correctional officer, the application process is comprehensive, assessing both your mental and physical suitability for the role. Here’s a summary of the essential information:
The Role of a Correctional Officer
As a prison officer, your responsibilities will include supervising and managing prisoners lawfully, safely, and securely. This ensures that the prison operates effectively and that safety is maintained. Working closely with your colleagues, you’ll:
- Conduct searches on prisoners, staff, and visitors to maintain security.
- Respond quickly to incidents and challenges presented by prisoners, often as the first responder.
- Keep detailed records on centralised systems and complete reports promptly, as maintaining accurate documentation is essential to ensuring safety and security.
- Build and maintain strong professional relationships with prisoners, helping support them in their rehabilitation goals.
Although the role involves physical and hands-on duties, keeping accurate and timely records is a critical part of the job.
Skills You Need to Become a Prison Officer
To be successful in this role, you’ll need to:
- Follow national and local prison regulations and policies.
- Work well under pressure and handle challenging situations.
- Build rapport with prisoners while maintaining a strong professional boundary.
- Stay physically fit to manage the demands of the job, which can include dealing with stressful and emotional situations.
Steps to Apply
Before you begin the application process, it’s important to fully understand the requirements and the role of a prison officer. You can learn more about the role on the Prison and Probation Jobs website. Below are the steps you need to follow to apply:
1. Check if You’re Eligible
To apply, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old when you start the role.
- Be physically fit, as the job involves physical activity. You’ll need to pass a medical and fitness assessment, which includes a hearing and eyesight test.
- Declare any pre-existing physical or mental health conditions to ensure you’re fit for the role. The Occupational Health team will assess your condition confidentially and recommend adjustments if necessary.
- Right to work: You must have the right to work in the UK and meet the requirements to work in the Civil Service.
Note: From 4 April 2024, changes to the Skilled Worker visa salary thresholds will affect the ability of HMPPS to sponsor applicants who do not meet the new salary requirements for visa sponsorship. Be sure to check your eligibility if you’re applying under this route.
2. Understand the Role and Application Process
Before applying, make sure you understand the various steps involved. The application process typically takes 6 to 7 months and includes several stages, from submitting an online application to completing medical and fitness tests. Here’s a general outline of the process:
- Online Application: Submit your details and answer basic questions about your eligibility.
- Complete Online Tests: Depending on the prison you apply to, you may be required to complete a short online test.
- Assessment Centre: You will join an online assessment centre where you’ll participate in role-play scenarios, written exercises, and physical fitness tests.
- Pre-employment Checks: These include a background check and health assessments to ensure you’re fit for the role.
- Training: Once you pass all stages, you’ll be offered a start date and begin your training as a prison officer.
3. Prison Officer Training
New recruits start on a 37-hour contract and undergo intensive training before taking on the full responsibilities of the role. During the training period, you will be paid at the lower end of the Band 3 scale. The training covers:
- Legal and ethical guidelines for working with prisoners.
- Security and safety protocols.
- Handling conflict and building relationships with prisoners.
After completing your training, you can opt to increase your work hours to 39 or 41 hours per week.
Special Considerations When Applying
Working in High-Security Prisons
To work in a high-security prison (Category A), you must meet additional criteria:
- You need to have lived in the UK for at least 3 years before submitting your application.
- You will also need to complete a Counter-Terrorism Check (CTC) as part of the pre-employment process.
Think About the Prison’s Location
Many prisons are located in rural areas with limited access to public transportation. Before you apply, make sure you can commute to the prison.
Consider whether local public transport services operate at the times required for your shifts, especially if you don’t drive. Travel costs to and from work will be your responsibility.
If you plan to relocate, the cost of moving will be at your own expense. However, you can apply for a tenancy loan agreement to assist with a rental deposit if needed.
Additional Routes to Working in the Prison System
Become an Operational Support Grade (OSG)
If you’re looking for an alternative route into the prison system, you can apply for a role as an Operational Support Grade (OSG).
As an OSG, your role will involve supporting the day-to-day operations of the prison, including administrative and logistical tasks. The application process for OSG roles is similar to that of a prison officer but involves fewer physical requirements.
Become a Probation Officer
Another career path in the prison system is to become a probation officer. Probation officers work closely with offenders to rehabilitate them and help them integrate back into society.
The qualification requirements for this role differ, and you will need a Level 3 qualification and relevant experience working with challenging individuals. The application process for a trainee probation officer takes 6 to 7 months and involves both academic and practical assessments.
Conclusion
The role of a correctional officer in the UK is both challenging and rewarding. In 2024, correctional officers can expect competitive salaries ranging from £32,000 to £42,000, depending on their location, experience, and hours worked.
With opportunities for career progression, market supplements, and additional benefits like overtime pay and an excellent pension scheme, this profession offers financial stability and job security.
However, it’s important to understand the physical and emotional demands of the role. From managing security operations to supporting prisoner rehabilitation, correctional officers play a vital role in maintaining safety within the UK’s correctional facilities.
If you’re considering a career in this field, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the application process, the skills required, and the work environment.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance within the system, a career as a correctional officer offers a unique opportunity to make a difference while enjoying substantial rewards.
FAQs
What is the starting salary for a correctional officer in 2024?
The starting salary for correctional officers in the UK in 2024 ranges from £32,448 to £42,762, depending on the number of hours worked and the location. Higher-cost areas like Inner London offer the highest starting salaries.
How does the correctional officer pay scale work in the UK?
Correctional officers are paid according to the HMPPS pay scales, which are determined by factors such as the number of hours worked (37, 39, or 41 hours per week), location (Inner London, Outer London, South & South East, or other regions), and experience. Pay increases as officers gain experience and take on more responsibilities.
Are there any additional benefits for correctional officers?
Yes, correctional officers receive several additional benefits, including overtime pay, market supplements (in certain regions), a robust pension scheme, paid holidays, sick leave, and access to various Civil Service perks such as life and health insurance.
Which cities offer the highest pay for correctional officers in the UK?
Cities such as Birmingham (£32,691), Rugby (£31,779), and Nottingham (£31,056) offer some of the highest annual salaries for correctional officers. Inner London and South East locations also offer high salaries due to the cost of living.
What is the application process to become a correctional officer?
The application process involves several stages: submitting an online application, completing online tests, attending an assessment centre (which includes role-play scenarios and fitness tests), and passing medical and background checks. The process can take 6 to 7 months to complete.
What are the requirements to become a correctional officer?
To become a correctional officer, you must be at least 18 years old, physically fit, and able to pass a medical and fitness assessment. You must also declare any pre-existing health conditions for assessment by the Occupational Health team. Additionally, you must have the right to work in the UK and comply with the Civil Service’s employment rules.
What is the training like for new prison officers?
New recruits undergo intensive training before taking on the full responsibilities of the role. The training includes learning about security protocols, conflict management, and prisoner rehabilitation. New officers start on a 37-hour contract but can choose to work 39 or 41 hours per week after completing training.
