How to become a corrections officer in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) hires state corrections officers under the title Correctional Officer (class 02184200, grade 21A). New officers start at $69,687 a year, rising to $95,533 after about 8 years. You must be at least 18.
Pay
| Starting salary | $69,687 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | $95,533 |
| Years to top | 8 |
| Scale effective | 2026-06-28 |
Schedule 0600 (uniformed RIBCO), grade 621A, effective June 28, 2026: $69,687 at 0-6 and 7-18 months, top step $95,533 at 97 months (8 years, 10 steps). Longevity steps at 20, 25 and 30 years reach $97,921, $100,369 and $102,878. Grade 21A is from the July 29, 2025 classified pay plan; 621A as the uniformed-RIBCO version of 21A is inferred from the schedule numbering. Schedule notes a 3% COLA.
Source:[hr.ri.gov]
Requirements
- Minimum age: 18
- Education: High school graduate or GED
- Citizenship: Valid Social Security card or alien registration card (U.S. citizenship not required)
- Valid photo ID
- No felony or domestic violence convictions
- No misdemeanor convictions within three years of application
- No illegal drug use (drug screen)
- Fluent in English
- Satisfactory psychologist evaluation before any appointment (RIGL 42-28.3-1)
- Complete the twelve-week correctional officer training program
Source:[doc.ri.gov]
Hiring process
- Preliminary and supplemental applications
- Physical agility test
- BCI/NCIC records check
- Written examination (interpersonal skills and cognitive reasoning)
- Background investigation
- Structured oral interview panel
- Psychological assessment (written exam + psychologist interview)
- Medical exam and drug screen
- Conditional offer, Recruit Orientation Program (~2 weeks, final physical agility check), then Training Academy
Source:[doc.ri.gov]
Entrance exam
Correctional Officer written examination. Measures interpersonal skills and cognitive reasoning; designed and scored by an independent research company. Guide dated 2023.[doc.ri.gov]
Academy
12 weeks, paid. Twelve-week correctional officer training program required for appointment, preceded by a ~2-week Recruit Orientation Program.[doc.ri.gov]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: Employees' Retirement System of Rhode Island (ERSRI), correctional officer defined benefit provisions
- Benefit formula: 2% of average compensation per year for the first 30 years, 3% for years 31-35; capped at the greater of the June 30, 2012 percentage or 75% (RIGL 36-10-10.2)
- When you can retire: Per RIGL 36-10-9.2: age 55 with 25 years of contributory service in corrections; members with 5 to under 25 years retire at Social Security retirement age
Statute interpretation for a brand-new hire is mine; ERSRI pages blocked automated fetches (403), so the current CO schedule (e.g. CO3) and FAS period are unverified. Search results indicate COs are excluded from the state DC plan (DB only).
Checked against official sources on 2026-10-23. Pay plans change; confirm with the employer before applying.