How to become a corrections officer in Indiana
The Indiana Department of Correction hires state corrections officers under the title Correctional Officer. New officers start at $45,760 a year, rising to $60,112. You must be at least 18.
Pay
| Starting salary | $45,760 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | $60,112 |
Source:[in.gov]
Requirements
- Minimum age: 18
- Education: High school diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE)
- Valid driver's license
- Negative results on all drug tests
- Able to work mandatory or voluntary overtime up to 16 consecutive hours
- Must complete personal protection training to continue employment
Source:[in.gov]
Hiring process
- Application and resume review
- Interview
- Two background checks (IDOC Background Verification Unit + Barada Inc.)
- On-site job shadow
- Final offer
Source:[in.gov]
Academy
2 weeks, paid. Preservice New Employee Training Process (NETP) for new staff includes an 80-hour classroom academy phase at a Regional Training Site plus on-the-job training (148 hours OJT for custody staff); minimum total NETP for adult custody staff is 284 hours. Training is completed as a paid new employee.[in.gov]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS) - PERF Hybrid Plan (state default) or PERF My Choice: Retirement Savings Plan
- Benefit formula: 1.1% × years of service × final average salary (20 highest quarters), plus a defined-contribution account funded by a mandatory 3% of gross wages
- When you can retire: Age 65 with 10 years; age 60 with 15 years; Rule of 85 at age 55; reduced early retirement ages 50-59 with 15 years; pension vests at 10 years
- Social Security: yes, you also pay in
New state employees have 60 days to choose; the PERF Hybrid Plan is the default; the election is irrevocable. Indiana has no separate correctional-officer pension formula.
Source:[in.gov]
Checked against official sources on 2026-10-23. Pay plans change; confirm with the employer before applying.