Do I need a background in law enforcement to be a Correctional Officer?
No, applicants will attend a 13-week paid academy that prepares them for working inside a correctional facility.
Will I be able to make a difference in the lives of others?
Yes, you will work to make a difference in the lives of incarcerated individuals in Worcester County. The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office is also heavily involved in the communities it serves.
What is the compensation package? Bonuses, etc.?
The Fall 2025 academy salary is Fall 2025 academy start $65,494.16/yr.
Officers also receive an education bonus, vacation time, personal time, and sick time. Graduates receive prorated stipends and will be reimbursed for the costs incurred to purchase uniforms for the training academy.
- Education Bonus: Master’s: $2,500/yr, Bachelor’s $2,000/yr, Assoc.’s $1,000/yr
- Sick Time Buy Back Up To 40 Hours
- Potential for up to 4 Bonus Personal Days
After graduating from the Fall 2025 academy, an officer’s salary will be adjusted to $67,898.09. At the start of January 2026, the salary for Fall 2025 graduates will be adjusted to $69,935.03.
How big of a commitment is the academy?
The academy is a significant commitment. For 13 weeks, the recruits attend training Monday through Friday from approximately 0730 to 1530. During those 13 weeks, the recruits are challenged both physically and mentally. There are additional “On-The-Job” training shifts that will be assigned at hours outside of 0730 to 1530.
How can I prepare for the written exam?
The written exam for the academy is basic reading comprehension and math.
How can I prepare for the psychological exam?
The psychological exam is not a test that you must study for. Questions are asked based on generalized life experiences, to which you answer truthfully.
Do correctional officers have overtime opportunities?
Yes, there are overtime opportunities at the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office. Overtime is paid at time and a half or may be used as comp time.
What is the weekly schedule and shifts at the WCSO?
Correctional Officers work five days on and two days off, also known as a rotating schedule. For example, if your first day working is a Tuesday, you will have Sunday and Monday off and resume your next work week starting on Tuesday.
Is there an opportunity for growth?
Promotions and growth are based on merit, work ethic, and dedication to duty. Officers write their futures at the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office.
Officers are eligible for promotion to Sergeant after three years. Positions beyond that include Lieutenant, Captain, etc.
Are there specialty posts at the Sheriff’s Office?
The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office has multiple specialty positions, including Training Department, Special Services, Maintenance, Receiving, and Transportation. These specialty posts are assigned to those who are interested and those who demonstrate an excellent work ethic and professionalism.
Will I be a part of a union as a correctional officer?
Yes, all correctional staff are in a union.
How does the pension system work? Other retirement accounts?
Correctional Officers are classified as group 4 by the Massachusetts State Retirement Board (MSRB).
The minimum pension eligibility requirement is 20 years of creditable service to receive 50% of your base salary. The percentage of pay increases every year after the 20-year mark, depending on your age and time served.
In addition to the pension, other retirement account options are available through the Massachusetts Deferred Compensation SMART Plan.
More information on the MSRB: Click Here
Will WCSO help me get a higher education degree?
The commonwealth’s primary educational offering is a tuition remission program available to eligible state employees and their spouses. It provides partial to full remission of tuition for programs and courses taken on the employee’s own time at public community colleges, state colleges, and state university campuses.
More information on the state’s Tuition Benefit: Click Here