Wage watchers: how much does a prison officer earn?

Prison officer Thomas, 30, from Antwerp province talks about what he earns and how he spends it

What do you do for a living?

I'm a prison officer in Hoogstraten. We have all kinds of inmates: sex offenders, drug dealers... Mostly people who are nearing the end of their sentences and learning a trade. My main job is to guard the prisoners and make sure that everyone is present and correct. I also make sure they’re on time for work, class or their visit to the psychologist. I also search the inmates and accompany them when they have visitors. Inmates also help serve food at dinner time, and I make sure  that everything runs smoothly.

Do you enjoy your work?

I received training first, and I’ve worked at Hoogstraten prison since December only. Before that I worked for Customs and also at the airport. My brother was already a prison officer, and so it occurred to me that I could do that too. I much prefer this job: I now work closer to home, I have a varied job and I work in different wings. At night it's a different ball game: you're all alone on your section and you have to do a check every half hour. Because I do shifts, I am often at home.

What do you think of your salary?

I am pleased with what I earn. I take home a basic salary of €1,458 - it is slightly higher than the going rate because my previous jobs give me an extra three years’ seniority. I also get an additional €250 to €300 for nightshifts and Sunday work.

Would you look elsewhere if the money was better?

I've only just changed jobs! I now earn more than I did working for Customs at the port of Antwerp. That’s what I was aiming for. Now I work closer to home, and thanks to the shift system I can combine work and family life. At Customs it was sometimes 8am till 8pm.

What does the biggest part of your salary go towards?

Rent, and the usual things such as energy and internet bills.

What do you resent parting with your money for?

'Bling bling' things. So no Tommy Hilfiger and no latest mobile phone for me.

What do you gladly pay for?

Amusement parks or day trips with the family. Or travelling. And then I play guitar and I do karate. I used to be in a covers band, playing songs by AC/DC, Metallica and Guns N’ Roses. We supported Gorki once.

Do you have a dream?

Yes - laser treatment for my eyes, so that I can get rid of my glasses. And going on a big holiday. I would like to go to Australia, New Zealand, South America and North America.

What would you do if you win the lottery?

I would buy a vintage Cadillac in the US and travel west with my wife and our daughter.

(mr)