Probation Officer Salary in Bowling Green, KY: $50,610 (2026)

Probation Officer Pay in Bowling Green: What to Expect (2026)

Bowling Green offers a median probation officer salary of $50,610, which is $1,808 below the Kentucky state average of $52,418. Compared to the national median of $60,250, Bowling Green pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Bowling Green's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $50,610 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,250 in an average-cost city. This makes Bowling Green an attractive option for probation officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for probation officers in Bowling Green spans from $31,920 at the 10th percentile to $77,280 at the 90th percentile — a $45,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,600, while senior probation officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,920. Bowling Green is a smaller market (pop. 74,735), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Probation Officer Salary in Bowling Green by Experience

In Bowling Green, an entry-level probation officer earns around $33,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,920 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$33,600

$-6,400 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$52,080

$-9,920 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$73,920

$-14,080 vs national

Percentile	Bowling Green	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$31,920	$33,060	$38,000
25th Percentile	$40,320	$41,760	$48,000
Median (50th)	$50,610	$52,418	$60,250
75th Percentile	$63,840	$66,120	$76,000
90th Percentile	$77,280	$80,040	$92,000

Percentile

Bowling Green

10th Percentile

$31,920

25th Percentile

$40,320

Median (50th)

$50,610

75th Percentile

$63,840

90th Percentile

$77,280

How to Become a Probation Officer in Bowling Green

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Probation Officer Salary in Bowling Green

How much does a Probation Officer make in Bowling Green, KY? ▼

The median probation officer salary in Bowling Green, Kentucky is $50,610 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $60,250. Salaries range from $31,920 (10th percentile) to $77,280 (90th percentile).

How much does a Probation Officer make per hour in Bowling Green? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $50,610, a probation officer in Bowling Green earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Bowling Green compare to the Kentucky state average for probation officer pay? ▼

Bowling Green's median probation officer salary of $50,610 is 3.4% below the Kentucky state average of $52,418. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Bowling Green, KY? ▼

Bowling Green has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a probation officer salary of $50,610 in Bowling Green has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a probation officer in Bowling Green? ▼

Most probation officer positions in Bowling Green 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 Bowling Green, Kentucky