How to become a corrections officer in Illinois
The Illinois Department of Corrections hires state corrections officers under the title Correctional Officer Trainee (promoted to Correctional Officer after 3 months). New officers start at $60,216 a year, rising to $85,032. You must be at least 18.
Pay
| Starting salary | $60,216 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | $85,032 |
| Scale effective | 2026-07-01 |
AFSCME RC-006 rates effective July 1, 2026 (Alternative Formula Rate column). Trainee = pay grade 07 step 1, $5,018/mo x 12 = $60,216 (IDOC careers page lists the same $60,216). After the 3-month trainee period, Correctional Officer = grade 09 step 1, $5,392/mo = $64,704. Top = grade 09 step 8, $7,086/mo x 12 = $85,032; the 'Maximum Security Rate' column is slightly higher ($7,202/mo at step 8 = $86,424). Years between steps not stated in the rate sheet.
Source:[cms.illinois.gov]
Requirements
- Minimum age: 18
- Education: High school diploma or GED
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Valid driver's license
- Ability to speak, read and write English
- TABE reading test at 10th-grade level (exempt with 15+ college credit hours)
- No disqualifying felony or domestic-violence misdemeanor conviction, no dishonorable discharge (AD 03.02.105)
- Pass background investigation, drug test, physical and vision exams
Source:[idoc.illinois.gov]
Hiring process
- Online Applicant Data Form
- Screening event: TABE reading test
- Physical Agility Test (4 exercises, pass/fail)
- Observation Examination
- Structured oral interview and writing sample
- Ranking on county eligibility list
- Background investigation and drug test
- Physical exam
- Pre-service training at the Corrections Training Academy in Decatur
Source:[idoc.illinois.gov]
Entrance exam
COT screening: TABE + Physical Agility Test + Observation Examination + Structured Oral Interview. TABE and agility are pass/fail; observation exam 0-20 pts, interview/writing 0-100 pts, up to 10 military points; 130 max. Eligibility lasts 3 years from screening.[idoc.illinois.gov]
Academy
6 weeks, paid. Six weeks at the Corrections Training Academy (Decatur) during the 3-month trainee appointment, which is salaried at the COT rate; dorm housing and state transportation provided. Some state job postings say eight weeks of pre-service training.[idoc.illinois.gov]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: State Employees' Retirement System of Illinois (SERS), Tier 2 Alternative Formula
- Benefit formula: 2.5% × years of service × final average compensation (highest 96 consecutive months within the last 120), 80% maximum (coordinated with Social Security)
- When you can retire: Age 60 with 20 years of alternative formula service (DOC security employees)
- Social Security: yes, you also pay in
Tier 2 applies to members who joined SERS after December 31, 2010. Non-coordinated members accrue 3.0%.
Source:[ilsrs.illinois.gov]
Checked against official sources on 2026-10-23. Pay plans change; confirm with the employer before applying.