Work Assignments and Pay Structures

Work Assignments and Pay Structures in the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) system require all medically able sentenced individuals to participate in labor details that support institutional operations, skill development, and rehabilitation. Governed by 18 U.S.C. § 4125 and BOP Program Statement 8120.03 (Inmate Work and Performance Pay), these assignments aim to reduce idleness, foster responsibility, and provide modest earnings for commissary purchases or financial obligations. Exemptions apply only for medical, educational, or security reasons, with non-compliance potentially leading to disciplinary action.

As of November 2025, approximately 90% of the BOP's 158,000 sentenced population hold work assignments, ranging from janitorial duties to skilled trades, earning between $0.12 and $1.15 per hour depending on the program. These structures promote equity by basing pay on performance and skill, though low wages and mandatory Inmate Financial Responsibility Program (IFRP) deductions limit financial benefits. Participation supports First Step Act goals by earning time credits through productive activities, potentially reducing sentences by up to 12 months.

Types of Work Assignments

Work assignments fall into three categories: institutional jobs, Federal Prison Industries (FPI, or UNICOR), and community-based programs. Institutional roles maintain facility operations, while FPI focuses on manufacturing and services.

Institutional Work

Most common, comprising 70–80% of assignments, these roles pay under the Inmate Performance Pay Scale (IPPS) and include:

• Janitorial and Maintenance: Sweeping, mopping, trash removal, painting, plumbing repairs, or groundskeeping.
• Food Service: Cooking, serving, dishwashing, or sanitation in the kitchen.
• Orderly Duties: Cleaning housing units, laundry, or barber services.
• Administrative Support: Clerical tasks, library assistance, or warehouse stocking.

These jobs emphasize routine tasks, with assignments based on security level and skills assessed during intake.

Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR)

Higher-paying vocational programs producing goods like furniture or clothing for government use. Eligible after 60 days incarceration and security review; pays $0.23–$1.15/hour, with 50% often deducted for IFRP. Assignments include assembly, machining, or quality control, limited to 8–10% of population due to facility capacity.

Community Programs

Off-site work like conservation (e.g., trail maintenance) or service crews, paying IPPS rates. Rare, requiring low security and warden approval.

Pay Structures

Pay follows federal scales, deposited biweekly into commissary accounts after deductions (e.g., 10% for IFRP). No overtime or benefits apply.

Inmate Performance Pay Scale (IPPS)

For institutional and community work; based on performance grades (Grades 1–5) evaluated quarterly.

Grade	Performance Level	Hourly Rate
5	Unsatisfactory	$0.12
4	Below Average	$0.16
3	Average	$0.23
2	Above Average	$0.32
1	Exceptional	$0.40

New assignees start at Grade 3; promotions require supervisor recommendations.

UNICOR Pay Scale

Tied to production grades (1–4), with higher rates for skilled labor:

• Grade 4: $0.23/hour
• Grade 3: $0.33/hour
• Grade 2: $0.40/hour
• Grade 1: Up to $1.15/hour (piece-rate for output)

Minimum payments under IFRP: 50% of UNICOR pay for Grades 1–4.

Eligibility Requirements

Medically able sentenced individuals must work unless exempted (e.g., full-time education, pregnancy, or disability). Intake assessments via presentence reports and interviews determine suitability; high-security or sex offenders face restrictions. UNICOR eligibility: Non-violent history, 60-day wait, drug test pass. IFRP participation affects pay access, with non-participants limited to $25/month commissary.

Key Processes and Procedures

The assignment and pay process unfolds as follows:

1. Intake Assignment: Within 7 days of arrival, unit team assigns based on skills and needs.
2. Performance Evaluation: Quarterly reviews adjust grades; appeals via administrative remedies.
3. Pay Processing: Biweekly deposits minus deductions; disputes resolved informally.
4. Transfers/Reassignments: Notified 48 hours in advance; medical excuses require documentation.

Accessing Assignments

Individuals request preferred roles via unit counselor; priority given to institutional needs. UNICOR applications through job fairs. Exemptions filed with Health Services; grievances via BP-9 form.

Impact and Statistics

Work reduces recidivism by 14% per BOP studies, with 2024 data showing 142,000 assignments generating $50 million in wages. UNICOR employs 13,000, producing $500 million in goods annually. Average earnings: $20–$50/month after deductions.

Criticisms and Challenges

Low pay exploits labor (e.g., $0.12/hour for janitorial), with IFRP deductions leaving little for reentry. 2025 proposals increase garnishments to 10% of all pay, criticized for impoverishing families. Understaffing forces augmentation, delaying vocational training.

Background

Work requirements stem from the 1930 BOP Act, emphasizing reform through labor. UNICOR, established 1934, expanded post-1970s.

Legislative History

Prison Industries Act (1934) created UNICOR; Sentencing Reform Act (1984) tied work to performance pay. First Step Act (2018) integrated credits for productive activities.

Recent Developments

2024 IFRP NPRM proposes streamlined deductions; 2025 UNICOR pilots AI-monitored factories for efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do federal inmates get paid for working?

Yes, federal inmates are paid for work assignments, but wages are extremely low. Institutional jobs pay $0.12 to $0.40 per hour under the Inmate Performance Pay Scale, based on performance grades. UNICOR (Federal Prison Industries) jobs pay $0.23 to $1.15 per hour for skilled manufacturing work. After mandatory deductions for the Inmate Financial Responsibility Program (IFRP) - typically 50% of UNICOR wages and lesser amounts for institutional jobs - most inmates earn $20-$50 per month. Pay is deposited biweekly into commissary accounts for purchasing items like food, hygiene products, and phone time.

Q: How much do federal inmates get paid per hour?

Federal inmate pay ranges from $0.12 to $1.15 per hour depending on the job and performance level. Institutional jobs (janitorial, food service, orderly) pay $0.12/hour (Grade 5/Unsatisfactory) to $0.40/hour (Grade 1/Exceptional). Most inmates start at Grade 3 ($0.23/hour). UNICOR factory jobs pay more: Grade 4 at $0.23/hour up to Grade 1 at $1.15/hour for exceptional piece-rate production. After IFRP deductions, actual take-home is significantly less.

Q: Are federal inmates required to work?

Yes, with limited exceptions. Under 18 U.S.C. § 4125 and BOP Program Statement 8120.03, all medically able sentenced inmates must participate in work assignments. Exemptions apply only for documented medical conditions, full-time educational enrollment, pregnancy, or specific security restrictions. Refusal to work is a disciplinary offense that can result in loss of good time credits, loss of commissary privileges, and placement in disciplinary segregation. Approximately 90% of the BOP's 158,000 sentenced population holds a work assignment.

Q: What jobs are available in federal prison?

Federal prison jobs fall into three categories: (1) Institutional jobs (70-80% of assignments) include janitorial/maintenance, food service, orderly duties, laundry, barbering, library assistance, and warehouse work. (2) UNICOR/Federal Prison Industries (8-10% of population) includes manufacturing furniture, clothing, electronics, and providing services like data entry. UNICOR jobs require 60 days incarceration, non-violent history, and drug test pass. (3) Community programs include off-site conservation work and service crews, available only to low-security inmates with warden approval.

Q: What is UNICOR in federal prison?

UNICOR is the trade name for Federal Prison Industries (FPI), a government corporation that employs federal inmates to manufacture products and provide services for federal agencies. UNICOR operates factories in approximately 50 federal prisons, employing about 13,000 inmates and producing $500 million in goods annually. Products include furniture, textiles, electronics, and fleet vehicle maintenance. UNICOR jobs pay higher wages ($0.23-$1.15/hour) than institutional jobs and provide vocational training. Eligibility requires 60 days incarceration, non-violent offense history, and passing a drug test.

Q: What happens to inmate wages in federal prison?

Inmate wages are deposited biweekly into commissary accounts after mandatory deductions. The Inmate Financial Responsibility Program (IFRP) requires payments toward court-ordered financial obligations including restitution, fines, and child support. UNICOR workers typically have 50% of wages deducted for IFRP. Non-IFRP participants face restrictions including limited commissary access ($25/month maximum). Remaining funds can be used for commissary purchases (food, hygiene, clothing), phone calls, email, and sending money to family. Upon release, remaining commissary balance is returned.

See also

• Federal Prison Industries
• Inmate Financial Responsibility Program
• First Step Act
• Commissary Operations and Inmate Accounts

External links

• BOP Work Programs Overview
• Program Statement 8120.03: Inmate Work and Performance Pay (PDF)