Public Service Owensboro, KY Pop. 60,183

Probation Officer Salary in Owensboro, Kentucky

The median probation officer salary in Owensboro, KY is $49,405 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 5.7% below the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$49,405
vs State Avg
$-3,013
vs National
$-10,845
Cost of Living
82%

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

Owensboro offers a median probation officer salary of $49,405, which is $3,013 below the Kentucky state average of $52,418. Compared to the national median of $60,250, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $49,405 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,250 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for probation officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for probation officers in Owensboro spans from $31,160 at the 10th percentile to $75,440 at the 90th percentile — a $44,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,800, while senior probation officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,160. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Probation Officer Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level probation officer earns around $32,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,800
$-7,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,840
$-11,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,160
$-15,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Owensboro, KY

Percentile Owensboro
10th Percentile $31,160
25th Percentile $39,360
Median (50th) $49,405
75th Percentile $62,320
90th Percentile $75,440

Probation Officer Salary in Other Kentucky Cities

Lexington, KY
$56,033
Pop. 322,570
Louisville, KY
$55,430
Pop. 633,045
Covington, KY
$53,020
Pop. 40,961
Bowling Green, KY
$50,610
Pop. 74,735

How to Become a Probation Officer in Owensboro

Education

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

Find Probation Officer Jobs in Owensboro

Browse open probation officer positions in Owensboro, KY:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Probation Officer Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Probation Officer make in Owensboro, KY? ▼
The median probation officer salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $49,405 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $60,250. Salaries range from $31,160 (10th percentile) to $75,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Probation Officer make per hour in Owensboro? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,405, a probation officer in Owensboro earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for probation officer pay? ▼
Owensboro's median probation officer salary of $49,405 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $52,418. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼
Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a probation officer salary of $49,405 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a probation officer in Owensboro? ▼
Most probation officer positions in Owensboro 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.