Public Service San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Probation Officer Salary in San Francisco, California

The median probation officer salary in San Francisco, CA is $109,655 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median and 31.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$109,655
vs State Avg
+$26,510
vs National
+$49,405
Cost of Living
182%

Probation Officer Pay in San Francisco: What to Expect (2026)

San Francisco offers a median probation officer salary of $109,655, which is $26,510 above the California state average of $83,145. Compared to the national median of $60,250, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $109,655 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $60,250. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for probation officers in San Francisco spans from $69,160 at the 10th percentile to $167,440 at the 90th percentile — a $98,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,800, while senior probation officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $160,160. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Probation Officer Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level probation officer earns around $72,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $160,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,800
+$32,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$112,840
+$50,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$160,160
+$72,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $69,160
25th Percentile $87,360
Median (50th) $109,655
75th Percentile $138,320
90th Percentile $167,440

Probation Officer Salary in Other California Cities

San Jose, CA
$101,220
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$87,965
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$85,555
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$71,095
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Probation Officer in San Francisco

Education

Most probation officer positions require a bachelor's degree. San Francisco 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 San Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Probation Officer Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open probation officer positions in San Francisco, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Probation Officer Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Probation Officer make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median probation officer salary in San Francisco, California is $109,655 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median of $60,250. Salaries range from $69,160 (10th percentile) to $167,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Probation Officer make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $109,655, a probation officer in San Francisco earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for probation officer pay? ▼
San Francisco's median probation officer salary of $109,655 is 31.9% above the California state average of $83,145. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a probation officer salary of $109,655 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a probation officer in San Francisco? ▼
Most probation officer positions in San Francisco 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.