Public Service Columbus, GA Pop. 206,922

Probation Officer Salary in Columbus, Georgia

The median probation officer salary in Columbus, GA is $51,815 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 7.5% below the Georgia state average.

City Median
$51,815
vs State Avg
$-4,218
vs National
$-8,435
Cost of Living
86%

Probation Officer Pay in Columbus: What to Expect (2026)

Columbus offers a median probation officer salary of $51,815, which is $4,218 below the Georgia state average of $56,033. Compared to the national median of $60,250, Columbus pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbus's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $51,815 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,250 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbus an attractive option for probation officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for probation officers in Columbus spans from $32,680 at the 10th percentile to $79,120 at the 90th percentile — a $46,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,400, while senior probation officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,680. With a population of 206,922, Columbus is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Probation Officer Salary in Columbus by Experience

In Columbus, an entry-level probation officer earns around $34,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,320
$-8,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,680
$-12,320 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbus, GA

Percentile Columbus
10th Percentile $32,680
25th Percentile $41,280
Median (50th) $51,815
75th Percentile $65,360
90th Percentile $79,120

Probation Officer Salary in Other Georgia Cities

Atlanta, GA
$61,455
Pop. 498,715
Savannah, GA
$55,430
Pop. 147,780
Athens, GA
$54,225
Pop. 127,064
Augusta, GA
$53,020
Pop. 202,081

How to Become a Probation Officer in Columbus

Education

Most probation officer positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbus and the surrounding Georgia 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 Columbus may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Probation Officer Jobs in Columbus

Browse open probation officer positions in Columbus, GA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Probation Officer Salary in Columbus

How much does a Probation Officer make in Columbus, GA? ▼
The median probation officer salary in Columbus, Georgia is $51,815 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $60,250. Salaries range from $32,680 (10th percentile) to $79,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Probation Officer make per hour in Columbus? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,815, a probation officer in Columbus earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbus compare to the Georgia state average for probation officer pay? ▼
Columbus's median probation officer salary of $51,815 is 7.5% below the Georgia state average of $56,033. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbus, GA? ▼
Columbus has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a probation officer salary of $51,815 in Columbus has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a probation officer in Columbus? ▼
Most probation officer positions in Columbus 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.