Public Service Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Probation Officer Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median probation officer salary in Los Angeles, CA is $87,965 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$87,965
vs State Avg
+$4,820
vs National
+$27,715
Cost of Living
146%

Probation Officer Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median probation officer salary of $87,965, which is $4,820 above the California state average of $83,145. Compared to the national median of $60,250, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $87,965 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $60,250. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for probation officers in Los Angeles spans from $55,480 at the 10th percentile to $134,320 at the 90th percentile — a $78,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,400, while senior probation officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $128,480. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Probation Officer Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level probation officer earns around $58,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $128,480 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,400
+$18,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$90,520
+$28,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$128,480
+$40,480 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $55,480
25th Percentile $70,080
Median (50th) $87,965
75th Percentile $110,960
90th Percentile $134,320

Probation Officer Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$109,655
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$101,220
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$85,555
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$71,095
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Probation Officer in Los Angeles

Education

Most probation officer positions require a bachelor's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Case ManagementRisk AssessmentReport WritingCommunicationCrisis InterventionLegal Knowledge

Job Outlook

Nationally, probation officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Probation Officer Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open probation officer positions in Los Angeles, CA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Probation Officer Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Probation Officer make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median probation officer salary in Los Angeles, California is $87,965 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $60,250. Salaries range from $55,480 (10th percentile) to $134,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Probation Officer make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,965, a probation officer in Los Angeles earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for probation officer pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median probation officer salary of $87,965 is 5.8% above the California state average of $83,145. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a probation officer salary of $87,965 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a probation officer in Los Angeles? ▼
Most probation officer positions in Los Angeles require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Case Management, Risk Assessment, Report Writing, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.