Corrections Careers

Become a Miami-Dade Correctional Officer

A Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department (MDCR) Correctional Officer:

Makes a lasting impact on the community and supports positive change through professional corrections services and rehabilitation programs
Plays a critical role in maintaining the safety and security of MDCR facilities, while helping individuals in our custody prepare for a successful return into the community
Works as part of a professional public safety team

MDCR Correctional Officers are dedicated to safety, accountability and rehabilitation, and enjoy competitive salary, outstanding benefits, career development, and opportunities for career advancement, promotions, working specialty assignments, and earning incentive pay.

If you are looking to join a profession with purpose, make an impact, build a career, and be the difference, JOIN US and become an MDCR Correctional Officer.

This page is designed to provide you with some information about the day-to-day responsibilities of a Correctional Officer, the hiring process, academy training, salary, salary incentives, benefits, career opportunities, and frequently asked questions.

Ready to become part of one of the largest correctional systems in the nation?

Apply Today to Serve with Purpose, Lead with Integrity, and Grow with MDCR!

- Non-Certified Correctional Officer - $47,031.39 - $85,435.82
  Upon your graduation from the academy, you will start receiving Certified Correctional Officer pay.
- Certified Correctional Officer - $59,355.14 - $104,265.94
  - If Hired with Previous Years of Certified Correctional Officer Experience Pay:
    - 1½ - 3 years - $61,826.90
    - 3+ - 5 years - $64,560.12
    - 5+ years - $67,295.25
  - If Hired with No Previous Years of Certified Correctional Officer Experience - almost $3,000 after your 13th pay period
Certified Correctional Officers can earn these additional pay supplements if they:
- Work afternoon or midnight shift - over $5,000
- Have an Associate's degree - over $350
- Have a Bachelor's degree - almost $2,500
- Work for Certain Specialty Positions:
  - Canine Certified Instructor or Field Training Officer - almost $6,000
  - Boot Camp Drill Instructor, House Arrest Officer or Training Officer - almost $3,000
  - Honor Guard - almost $1,300
- Career Development Incentive Pay - amount varies
- Annual cost of living adjustment - amount varies
* Accumulated annual compensation
As your career progresses with MDCR, you may apply to work in a specialized unit, such as:
- Emergency Response Team
- Honor Guard
- Canine
- Field Training
- Training
- Intake and Release Bureau
- Hospital Services
- House Arrest Program
- Boot Camp Program
- Forensics
- Etc.
Many assignments include additional compensation opportunities and professional development benefits.
Employee Benefits

MDCR offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Legal Insurance
- Short-Term Disability Coverage
- Long-Term Disability Coverage
- Florida Retirement Pension Plan
- Deferred Compensation Programs
Education Incentives

Available incentives may include:
- Career Development Incentives
Paid Leave Benefits

Employees may receive:
- 17 Paid Holidays Per Year
- Paid Vacation Leave
- Sick Leave
- Paid Parental Leave
- Funeral Leave
- Bonus Leave Opportunities
- Tuition Reimbursement
Correctional Officers are responsible for maintaining the safety, security, and orderly operation of correctional facilities. Daily responsibilities may include:
- Supervising inmate housing areas
- Conducting security inspections
- Escorting inmates throughout facilities
- Monitoring facility operations
- Responding to emergencies
- Preparing reports and documentation
- Supporting rehabilitation and reentry efforts
Every day presents unique challenges and opportunities to make a positive impact.
The MDCR Recruitment Unit

Located at:
3505 NW 107th Avenue
Doral, FL 33178

Information Line:
786-263-6000

Can help you with any questions regarding:
- Application requirements
- Hiring process
- Academy information
- Salary and benefits information
- Career opportunities
- Recruitment events
The hiring process includes, but is not limited to:
- Applying for the position online by clicking the "APPLY NOW" button located at the top right-hand corner of this page or by going to the Miami-Dade County Jobs website to complete the Correctional Officer (Non-Certified) or (Certified) online application
- Completing required tests, such as the Florida Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test for Correctional Officer (CJBAT-CO) and the Physical Abilities Test (PAT)
- Monitoring your emails, including the spam folder, for communications from MDCR
- Following email instructions for Orientation Date, Intake Packet, Required Documents, etc.
- Passing the Background Investigation
- Submitting to a Polygraph Examination
- Passing the Psychological Evaluation
- Passing the Medical Examination, to include Drug Screening
New recruits attend correctional officer training designed to prepare them for a successful career in corrections.

Training includes:
- Officer Safety
- Defensive Tactics
- Criminal Justice Procedures
- Emergency Response
- Communication Skills
- Professional Ethics
- Report Writing
- Florida Certification Requirements
Academy graduates are prepared to begin their careers as sworn Correctional Officers.
Do I need prior law enforcement experience?

No. Qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Will I be trained?

Yes. Recruits receive professional training through the correctional officer academy.

Is there room for advancement?

Yes. MDCR offers promotional opportunities, specialty assignments, and leadership development programs.

Do Correctional Officers receive benefits?

Yes. Employees receive comprehensive health, retirement, leave and insurance benefits.