Data were drawn from a 1989 national survey of prison wardens in 512 State and Federal prisons; 312 wardens (73.2 percent) returned usable questionnaires. Job satisfaction was assessed using a five-item scale, and independent variables were selected to assess individual characteristics, the work role, and participatory management. In general, individual characteristics, organizational conditions, previous work experience, and a prison's regional location did not affect job satisfaction scores. Dimensions of the work role, however, were significantly related to job satisfaction. More satisfaction was observed among prison wardens who had supportive relations, emphasized human services to inmates, and exercised administrative autonomy within the prison. Prison warden satisfaction decreased when central correctional department influence over the prison's daily operations was seen as high and increased when prison wardens viewed their own influence as high. 54 references, 3 notes, and 4 tables