How to become a prison officer
Becoming a prison officer in the UK doesn't require a degree, and the route in is more flexible than most people assume. Entry-level pay sits around £30,000 - £35,000, mid-career roles earn £36,000 - £42,000, senior or specialist prison officers earn £45,000 - £60,000 (manager). This guide covers the realistic route in, what you can earn at each stage, and whether the work fits how you like to spend your day.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £30,000 - £35,000
- Mid-career salary
- £36,000 - £42,000
- Senior salary
- £45,000 - £60,000 (manager)
- Work environment
- Prison, shifts including nights
- Time to entry
- 0 - 12 months
- Degree required
- Not required
- Category
- Public Sector and Emergency Services
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report. Also in: No-degree careers, Stable careers, Career change.
What a Prison Officer does
Maintain order in prisons and support rehabilitation of offenders.
- Custodial Manager - Lead a team of officers and run a wing.
How to become a prison officer in the UK
You don't need a degree to become a prison officer in the UK. The most reliable route is a mix of short formal training (college course, apprenticeship, or industry-recognised certification) and hands-on experience as quickly as possible - typically through an entry-level role, apprenticeship, or paid work-shadowing. Most people get their first proper role within 0 - 12 months once they commit to the path.
- Check you meet the basic requirements: you must be at least 18, have the right to work in the UK and be able to pass security vetting.
- Apply through HM Prison and Probation Service in England and Wales, the Scottish Prison Service or the Northern Ireland Prison Service, depending on where you live.
- Prepare for the online tests and assessment day, which use realistic role plays to test how you handle conflict and communicate under pressure.
- Build general strength and stamina before the fitness test, and be ready for a medical and background checks before any job offer is confirmed.
- Complete the initial training course, covering searching, security, control and restraint, and supporting prisoners, before you work on the wings.
- In public sector prisons in England and Wales, expect to complete a Level 3 custody and detention officer apprenticeship during your first year.
- After experience on the wings, apply for specialist roles or promotion to supervising officer and then custodial manager.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct entry prison officer | Several months to start | None | Most applicants, including career changers |
| Unlocked Graduates programme | 2 years | None, salaried with a funded master's | Graduates wanting a leadership route |
| Operational support grade first | Varies | None | Getting inside the prison service first |
| Officer in a privately run prison | Several months to start | None | People living near a private prison |
How long it takes
Most people start within 12 months of applying, because recruitment includes online tests, an assessment day, a fitness test, a medical and security vetting, which can take several months. Initial training then lasts several weeks before you work on the wings.
Prison Officer salary in the UK
Entry-level prison officer roles in the UK pay £30,000 - £35,000. Mid-career prison officers earn £36,000 - £42,000. Senior or specialist prison officers earn £45,000 - £60,000 (manager). Pay varies by region (London and the South East typically sit at the top of the range), employer, and specialism.
Is prison officer a good career?
Prison Officer can be a strong career choice in the UK if it matches how you actually like to work. On stability: very stable, strong pension. Competition for roles is generally low. Day-to-day environment: prison, shifts including nights. The honest answer depends on your personality and priorities - the trade-offs (hours, responsibility, pace) matter as much as the salary.
Key skills
- De-escalation
- Resilience
- Communication
- Decision making
Prison Officer FAQs
How do I become a prison officer in the UK?
You don't need a degree to become a prison officer in the UK. The most reliable route is a mix of short formal training (college course, apprenticeship, or industry-recognised certification) and hands-on experience as quickly as possible - typically through an entry-level role, apprenticeship, or paid work-shadowing. Most people get their first proper role within 0 - 12 months once they commit to the path.
How much do prison officers earn in the UK?
Entry-level prison officer roles in the UK pay £30,000 - £35,000. Mid-career prison officers earn £36,000 - £42,000. Senior or specialist prison officers earn £45,000 - £60,000 (manager). Pay varies by region (London and the South East typically sit at the top of the range), employer, and specialism.
Do you need a degree to be a prison officer?
No - you don't need a degree to become a prison officer in the UK. The official line: not required. Employers and clients care more about demonstrable skill, hands-on experience, and the right attitude than formal qualifications.
Is prison officer a good career in the UK?
Prison Officer can be a strong career choice in the UK if it matches how you actually like to work. On stability: very stable, strong pension. Competition for roles is generally low. Day-to-day environment: prison, shifts including nights. The honest answer depends on your personality and priorities - the trade-offs (hours, responsibility, pace) matter as much as the salary.
Is Prison Officer right for you?
Career Compass ranks careers from your interests and priorities and explains every suggestion, with UK routes and trade-offs. See how well Prison Officer actually fits you. £19.99 once, full report included.
Not sure prison officer is the right career for you? A good career test narrows the field before you spend money retraining.