Prison Labor and Wage Disparities: Mapping Compensation Across U.S. State Prisons

• In Event: Innovations in Correctional Research

Abstract

The institutionalization of prison labor is both a historical and political phenomenon deeply intertwined with systemic inequality. Incarcerated workers face numerous challenges, including low wages, unsafe working conditions, and coercion. Their labor spans various jobs, from facility maintenance (e.g., cleaning, laundry) to state-run industries such as furniture production, yet inadequate compensation remains a persistent issue. While some states have introduced legislation to raise wages, pay structures vary widely, and no up-to-date centralized database exists to document prison wages or disparities across state systems. Without such data, the full extent of labor exploitation in American prisons remains difficult to assess. To address this gap, this study compiles an extensive dataset documenting wages across all 50 state prison systems, including minimum and maximum hourly rates. Jobs are categorized into non-industry roles and state-operated correctional industries. Data collection involved analyzing and coding DOC policies, state bills, and government documents, with FOIA requests submitted to where information was unavailable. The project's core contribution is the creation of the first reliable and comprehensive database of state-level wages for incarcerated workers, addressing a critical
gap in multidisciplinary research. This resource aims to inform researchers, policymakers, and advocates, facilitating evidence-based decision-making and potentially driving legislative reform.

Author

• Alena Gabrielson, University of Colorado Boulder