Public Service San Jose, CA Pop. 1,013,240

Probation Officer Salary in San Jose, California

The median probation officer salary in San Jose, CA is $101,220 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median and 21.7% above the California state average.

City Median
$101,220
vs State Avg
+$18,075
vs National
+$40,970
Cost of Living
168%

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

San Jose offers a median probation officer salary of $101,220, which is $18,075 above the California state average of $83,145. Compared to the national median of $60,250, San Jose pays above average for this role.

However, San Jose's cost of living index is 168%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $101,220 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $60,250. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Jose should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for probation officers in San Jose spans from $63,840 at the 10th percentile to $154,560 at the 90th percentile — a $90,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $67,200, while senior probation officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $147,840. As a major metro area with a population of 1,013,240, San Jose typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Probation Officer Salary in San Jose by Experience

In San Jose, an entry-level probation officer earns around $67,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $147,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$67,200
+$27,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$104,160
+$42,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$147,840
+$59,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Jose, CA

Percentile San Jose
10th Percentile $63,840
25th Percentile $80,640
Median (50th) $101,220
75th Percentile $127,680
90th Percentile $154,560

Probation Officer Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$109,655
Pop. 873,965
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 Jose

Education

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

Find Probation Officer Jobs in San Jose

Browse open probation officer positions in San Jose, CA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Probation Officer Salary in San Jose

How much does a Probation Officer make in San Jose, CA? ▼
The median probation officer salary in San Jose, California is $101,220 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median of $60,250. Salaries range from $63,840 (10th percentile) to $154,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Probation Officer make per hour in San Jose? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $101,220, a probation officer in San Jose earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Jose compare to the California state average for probation officer pay? ▼
San Jose's median probation officer salary of $101,220 is 21.7% above the California state average of $83,145. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Jose, CA? ▼
San Jose has a cost of living index of 168% compared to the national average. This means a probation officer salary of $101,220 in San Jose 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 Jose? ▼
Most probation officer positions in San Jose 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.