Public Service Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Probation Officer Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median probation officer salary in Chicago, IL is $64,468 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$64,468
vs State Avg
+$7,230
vs National
+$4,218
Cost of Living
107%

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

Chicago offers a median probation officer salary of $64,468, which is $7,230 above the Illinois state average of $57,238. Compared to the national median of $60,250, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for probation officers in Chicago spans from $40,660 at the 10th percentile to $98,440 at the 90th percentile — a $57,780 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,800, while senior probation officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $94,160. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Probation Officer Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level probation officer earns around $42,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $94,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,800
+$2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,340
+$4,340 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$94,160
+$6,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $40,660
25th Percentile $51,360
Median (50th) $64,468
75th Percentile $81,320
90th Percentile $98,440

Probation Officer Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$65,070
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$57,238
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$51,213
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$49,405
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Probation Officer in Chicago

Education

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

Find Probation Officer Jobs in Chicago

Browse open probation officer positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Probation Officer Salary in Chicago

How much does a Probation Officer make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median probation officer salary in Chicago, Illinois is $64,468 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $60,250. Salaries range from $40,660 (10th percentile) to $98,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Probation Officer make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,468, a probation officer in Chicago earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for probation officer pay? ▼
Chicago's median probation officer salary of $64,468 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $57,238. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a probation officer salary of $64,468 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a probation officer in Chicago? ▼
Most probation officer positions in Chicago 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.