Public Service Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Probation Officer Salary in Arkansas

The median probation officer salary in Arkansas is $50,610 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $60,250.

Median Salary
$50,610
vs National
$-9,640
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Probation Officer Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for probation officer compensation. Probation Officer salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $50,610 per year, probation officers in Arkansas earn $9,640 less than the national median of $60,250.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $50,610 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $60,250 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: probation officers at the 10th percentile earn $31,920, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $77,280 — a $45,360 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $53,020.

Nationally, probation officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for probation officers across the country.

Probation Officer Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level probation officer earns around $33,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,920 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,600
$-6,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,080
$-9,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,920
$-14,080 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $31,920
25th Percentile $40,320
Median (50th) $50,610
75th Percentile $63,840
90th Percentile $77,280

Probation Officer Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for probation officers in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Probation Officer in Arkansas

Education

Most probation officer positions require a bachelor's degree. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Case ManagementRisk AssessmentReport WritingCommunicationCrisis InterventionLegal Knowledge

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, probation officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Probation Officer Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Probation Officer make in Arkansas? ▼
The median probation officer salary in Arkansas is $50,610 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $60,250. Salaries range from $31,920 (10th percentile) to $77,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Probation Officer make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,610, a probation officer in Arkansas earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for probation officers? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for probation officer pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level probation officers earn $33,600, while senior professionals earn $73,920.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for probation officer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for probation officers is Hawaii at $102,425. Arkansas's median of $50,610 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($52,418) and Oklahoma ($51,815).
What is the entry-level probation officer salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level probation officer in Arkansas earns approximately $33,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $52,080. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $73,920.
What city in Arkansas pays probation officers the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for probation officers, with a median salary of $53,020. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.