Correctional Institution Administration
Manages operations and administration of correctional facilities including budget, personnel, and inmate programs.
💰GS-0006 Salary Information
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
| GS-15 | $125,133 | $129,304 | $133,475 | $137,646 | $141,817 | $145,988 | $150,159 | $154,330 | $158,501 | $162,672 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0006
Basic Requirements
Education: Bachelor's degree or higher with major study in correctional administration, criminology, psychology, social work, sociology, or other fields related to the position.
OR
Experience (GS-5): Responsible experience in dealing with people that demonstrated the ability to work effectively with inmates and associates in a correctional environment. This may include work in correctional institutions, crime prevention programs, or roles involving extensive interpersonal contact for rehabilitation or instruction purposes.
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for GS-0006
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal correctional institution administration position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your Grade Level
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-0006
Correctional Specialist
GS-0006 Correctional Institution Administration covers case-management, unit-management, and facility-administration roles that align with brig programs and operations billets.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Manage correctional facility operations
- •Oversee inmate programs and services
- •Develop and implement security policies
- •Coordinate staff training and development
- •Manage facility budgets and resources
🎯Key Competencies
Ability to maintain institutional security and manage inmate populations safely.
Skill in directing correctional staff and maintaining effective operations.
Ability to respond effectively to institutional emergencies and disturbances.
Skill in making sound judgments under pressure in correctional settings.
Ability to communicate effectively with staff, inmates, and outside agencies.
Skill in dealing tactfully with diverse populations including inmates and their families.
Knowledge of rehabilitation, treatment, and training programs.
Ability to develop and implement correctional policies and procedures.
Skill in training, evaluating, and developing correctional personnel.
Knowledge of laws, regulations, and court orders affecting corrections.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
Grade information not available
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0006
What is a Correctional Institution Administrator?
A GS-0006 Correctional Institution Administrator is a federal management position responsible for overseeing the operations of federal correctional facilities. These professionals manage budgets, personnel, inmate programs, and security policies at Bureau of Prisons facilities across the United States.
How much does a federal Correctional Institution Administrator make?
Federal Correctional Institution Administrators typically earn between $75,706 (GS-12 Step 1) and $117,034 (GS-13 Step 10) annually under the 2025 GS pay scale. Senior administrators at GS-14/15 levels can earn over $125,000. Actual pay varies based on locality adjustments, which can add 15-30% in high-cost areas.
What are the requirements for GS-0006 positions?
GS-0006 positions require a combination of education and experience in correctional administration, criminal justice, or related fields. At higher grades, candidates need progressively more specialized experience in facility management, security operations, and inmate program administration. No specific degree is required, but relevant education can substitute for some experience.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0006?
Yes, military experience is highly valued for Correctional Institution Administrator positions. Military police, corrections, security forces, and leadership experience directly translates to this field. Veterans with supervisory experience managing personnel, security operations, or facility management can qualify at various grade levels based on their military background.
What is the career progression for Correctional Institution Administrator?
Career progression typically starts at GS-9/11 for entry-level administrators, advancing to GS-12/13 for mid-level facility management roles. Senior positions like Warden reach GS-14/15 or Senior Executive Service. The Bureau of Prisons offers structured career ladders with opportunities for advancement through demonstrated leadership and completion of management training programs.
How do I apply for GS-0006 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Correctional Institution Administration' or '0006' series positions. Ensure your federal resume details your supervisory experience, security management background, and any corrections-related training. Veterans should claim their 5 or 10-point preference and include their DD-214. Most positions require background investigations and may have age requirements.
Ready to Apply for GS-0006?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.