Public Service Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Probation Officer Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median probation officer salary in Des Moines, IA is $55,430 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$55,430
vs State Avg
+$1,807
vs National
$-4,820
Cost of Living
92%

Probation Officer Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median probation officer salary of $55,430, which is $1,807 above the Iowa state average of $53,623. Compared to the national median of $60,250, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Des Moines's cost of living is 92% 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 Des Moines spans from $34,960 at the 10th percentile to $84,640 at the 90th percentile — a $49,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,800, while senior probation officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,960. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Probation Officer Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level probation officer earns around $36,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,800
$-3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,040
$-4,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,960
$-7,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $34,960
25th Percentile $44,160
Median (50th) $55,430
75th Percentile $69,920
90th Percentile $84,640

Probation Officer Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$57,238
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$53,020
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$51,815
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$50,610
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Probation Officer in Des Moines

Education

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

Find Probation Officer Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open probation officer positions in Des Moines, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Probation Officer Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Probation Officer make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median probation officer salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $55,430 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $60,250. Salaries range from $34,960 (10th percentile) to $84,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Probation Officer make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,430, a probation officer in Des Moines earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for probation officer pay? ▼
Des Moines's median probation officer salary of $55,430 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $53,623. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a probation officer salary of $55,430 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a probation officer in Des Moines? ▼
Most probation officer positions in Des Moines 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.