Probation Officer Salary in Fort Wayne, IN: $51,213 (2026)

Probation Officer Pay in Fort Wayne: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Wayne offers a median probation officer salary of $51,213, which is $3,012 below the Indiana state average of $54,225. Compared to the national median of $60,250, Fort Wayne pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Fort Wayne's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $51,213 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,251 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Wayne an attractive option for probation officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for probation officers in Fort Wayne spans from $32,300 at the 10th percentile to $78,200 at the 90th percentile — a $45,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,000, while senior probation officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $74,800. With a population of 263,886, Fort Wayne is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Probation Officer Salary in Fort Wayne by Experience

In Fort Wayne, an entry-level probation officer earns around $34,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$34,000

$-6,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$52,700

$-9,300 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$74,800

$-13,200 vs national

Percentile	Fort Wayne	IN State	National
10th Percentile	$32,300	$34,200	$38,000
25th Percentile	$40,800	$43,200	$48,000
Median (50th)	$51,213	$54,225	$60,250
75th Percentile	$64,600	$68,400	$76,000
90th Percentile	$78,200	$82,800	$92,000

Percentile

Fort Wayne

10th Percentile

$32,300

25th Percentile

$40,800

Median (50th)

$51,213

75th Percentile

$64,600

90th Percentile

$78,200

How to Become a Probation Officer in Fort Wayne

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Probation Officer Salary in Fort Wayne

How much does a Probation Officer make in Fort Wayne, IN? ▼

The median probation officer salary in Fort Wayne, Indiana is $51,213 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $60,250. Salaries range from $32,300 (10th percentile) to $78,200 (90th percentile).

How much does a Probation Officer make per hour in Fort Wayne? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $51,213, a probation officer in Fort Wayne earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Fort Wayne compare to the Indiana state average for probation officer pay? ▼

Fort Wayne's median probation officer salary of $51,213 is 5.6% below the Indiana state average of $54,225. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Fort Wayne, IN? ▼

Fort Wayne has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a probation officer salary of $51,213 in Fort Wayne has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a probation officer in Fort Wayne? ▼

Most probation officer positions in Fort Wayne 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.

Probation Officer Salary in Fort Wayne, Indiana