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Manages operations and administration of correctional facilities including budget, personnel, and inmate programs.
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.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0006
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.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal correctional institution administration position
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target 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).
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
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.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Grade information not available
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.