How to become a corrections officer in Virginia
The Virginia Department of Corrections hires state corrections officers under the title Corrections Officer (state role title: Security Officer III, Pay Band 3). New officers start at $49,391 a year, rising to $96,831. You must be at least 18.
Pay
| Starting salary | $49,391 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | $96,831 |
| Scale effective | 2026-10-22 |
Top is the statewide maximum of Pay Band 3 in the FY27 salary structure (effective July 25, 2026), not the top of a corrections career ladder.
Source:[dhrm.virginia.gov]
Requirements
- Minimum age: 18
- Education: High school diploma or GED
- Prefer at least 21; unit head may waive for ages 18-20
- Valid driver's license
- Able to lawfully possess a firearm in Virginia
- Medical screening, background check (fingerprints, credit, employment/education verification) and drug test incl. marijuana
- Able to read/comprehend policies and prepare reports
Source:[jobs.virginia.gov]
Hiring process
- Online application via jobs.virginia.gov
- Interview
- Background investigation
- Medical screening
- Drug test
- Basic Corrections Officer (BCO) training
- Field Training Officer program
Source:[jobs.virginia.gov]
Academy
Length not published, paid. Basic Corrections Officer Training (BCO) at institutional training schools / Academy for Staff Development campuses; DCJS certification required. Academy is treated as the worksite (OP 110.2). Length not found.[vadoc.virginia.gov]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: Virginia Retirement System - Virginia Law Officers' Retirement System (VaLORS) Plan 2
- Benefit formula: Average final compensation (highest 60 consecutive months) x 2.0% multiplier x years of service credit
- When you can retire: Unreduced at age 60 with 5 years, or age 50 with 25 years; reduced at age 50 with 5 years
- Social Security: yes, you also pay in
VaLORS Plan 2 covers members with membership date on/after July 1, 2010. Member contributes 5%. Not eligible for hazardous duty supplement. Overview dated 04-2026.
Source:[varetire.org]
Checked against official sources on 2026-10-23. Pay plans change; confirm with the employer before applying.