How to become a corrections officer in Vermont
The Vermont Department of Corrections hires state corrections officers under the title Correctional Officer I. New officers start at $49,046 a year, rising to $75,213.
Pay
| Starting salary | $49,046 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | $75,213 |
| Scale effective | 2026-10-22 |
Posting (Req 55347, Northern State Correctional Facility) lists minimum $23.58/hr and maximum $36.16/hr (x 2080). Plus $2,000 annual training pay, shift differentials where applicable. Facilities use 12-hour 4-on/3-off schedules.
Source:[careers.vermont.gov]
Requirements
- Education: High school graduation or equivalent AND 2 years full-time work experience; OR 1 year college coursework AND 1 year full-time work experience; OR 2 years college coursework
- Any felony conviction requires a waiver from the Commissioner of Corrections
- Anyone under supervision or sanctioned for a misdemeanor in past 5 years is ineligible without waiver
- Background investigation incl. criminal record, DMV, adult/child abuse registry checks; PREA prior-employer checks
- Valid motor vehicle operator's license
- Medical evaluation for respirator (SCBA) use
- Overtime, weekends and holidays are a condition of employment
Source:[careers.vermont.gov]
Hiring process
- Online application at careers.vermont.gov
- Background investigation (criminal, DMV, abuse registry, PREA)
- Facility shadowing (min. 40 hours)
- Vermont Correctional Academy (6 weeks, paid)
- Two weeks on-the-job training with Facility Training Officer
- Six-month probationary period
Source:[careers.vermont.gov]
Academy
6 weeks, paid. Vermont Correctional Academy, six-week paid academy, preceded by 40+ hours facility shadowing and followed by 2 weeks supervised OJT.[careers.vermont.gov]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: Vermont State Employees' Retirement System (VSERS) - Group G (mandatory for DOC facility employees first employed on/after July 1, 2023)
- Benefit formula: Group G service x 2.5% x AFC (higher of highest 3 consecutive fiscal years or last 36 months), max 50% of AFC for Group G-only members
- When you can retire: Group G only: normal at age 55 with 20 years or age 65 with 5 years; early at 55 with 5 years (actuarially reduced); vested at 5 years
- Social Security: yes, you also pay in
Source:[vermonttreasurer.gov]
Checked against official sources on 2026-10-23. Pay plans change; confirm with the employer before applying.