Public Service

Probation Officer Salary

Probation officers monitor offenders on probation or parole, ensuring compliance with court-ordered conditions.

Median Salary
$60,250
Mean Salary
$63,800
Total Employed
96,500
Job Growth
+3%

Probation Officer Salary by Experience Level

Entry-level probation officers earn around $40,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $62,000. Senior-level probation officers can earn $88,000 or more.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,000
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,000
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,000

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Salary Percentile Breakdown

The salary range for probation officers varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $38,000, while the top 10% earn $92,000.

Percentile Annual Salary
10th Percentile $38,000
25th Percentile $48,000
50th Percentile (Median) $60,250
75th Percentile $76,000
90th Percentile $92,000

Probation Officer Salary by State

Probation Officer salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $102,425, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $50,008.

State Median
#1 Hawaii $102,425 Details →
#2 California $83,145 Details →
#3 Massachusetts $81,338 Details →
#4 Alaska $74,710 Details →
#5 New York $73,505 Details →
#6 New Jersey $69,288 Details →
#7 Washington $69,288 Details →
#8 Connecticut $67,480 Details →
#9 Maryland $66,275 Details →
#10 Oregon $66,275 Details →
#11 Colorado $63,263 Details →
#12 New Hampshire $63,263 Details →
#13 Rhode Island $63,263 Details →
#14 Virginia $62,660 Details →
#15 Delaware $60,853 Details →
#16 Vermont $60,853 Details →
#17 Florida $59,045 Details →
#18 Maine $59,045 Details →
#19 Arizona $58,443 Details →
#20 Minnesota $58,443 Details →
#21 Nevada $58,443 Details →
#22 Utah $58,443 Details →
#23 Pennsylvania $57,840 Details →
#24 Illinois $57,238 Details →
#25 Montana $57,238 Details →
#26 Idaho $56,635 Details →
#27 Georgia $56,033 Details →
#28 New Mexico $56,033 Details →
#29 North Carolina $55,430 Details →
#30 Texas $55,430 Details →
#31 Wisconsin $55,430 Details →
#32 Wyoming $55,430 Details →
#33 Louisiana $54,828 Details →
#34 Indiana $54,225 Details →
#35 Michigan $54,225 Details →
#36 Nebraska $54,225 Details →
#37 North Dakota $54,225 Details →
#38 Ohio $54,225 Details →
#39 Iowa $53,623 Details →
#40 South Carolina $53,623 Details →
#41 Tennessee $53,623 Details →
#42 Missouri $53,020 Details →
#43 South Dakota $53,020 Details →
#44 Alabama $52,418 Details →
#45 Kansas $52,418 Details →
#46 Kentucky $52,418 Details →
#47 Oklahoma $51,815 Details →
#48 Arkansas $50,610 Details →
#49 West Virginia $50,610 Details →
#50 Mississippi $50,008 Details →

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Key Responsibilities

  • ● Supervise offenders on probation/parole
  • ● Conduct risk assessments
  • ● Monitor compliance with court orders
  • ● Write pre-sentence investigation reports
  • ● Connect offenders with rehabilitation services

Top Skills

Case Management Risk Assessment Report Writing Communication Crisis Intervention Legal Knowledge

Education Required

Bachelor's degree

Job Outlook

As fast as average — projected 3% growth over the next decade

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Frequently Asked Questions About Probation Officer Salaries

How much does a Probation Officer make per year? ▼
The median probation officer salary in the United States is $60,250 per year. Entry-level positions start around $40,000, while senior-level professionals earn up to $88,000 annually. The mean (average) salary is $63,800.
How much does a Probation Officer make per hour? ▼
Based on the national median salary of $60,250 per year, a probation officer earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by experience, location, and employer.
What is the highest paying state for probation officers? ▼
Hawaii is the highest paying state for probation officers, with a median salary of $102,425. Other top-paying states include California ($83,145) and Massachusetts ($81,338).
What education do you need to become a probation officer? ▼
Most probation officer positions require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Case Management, Risk Assessment, Report Writing, Communication. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience can also strengthen your qualifications.
What is the job outlook for probation officers? ▼
Employment for probation officers is projected to grow 3% over the next decade, which is as fast as average. There are currently 96,500 probation officers employed in the United States.
How much does an entry-level probation officer make? ▼
An entry-level probation officer with 0-2 years of experience earns around $40,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to approximately $62,000. The bottom 10% of earners make $38,000, while the top 10% earn $92,000.