Public Service Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Probation Officer Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median probation officer salary in Columbia, MD is $71,095 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$71,095
vs State Avg
+$4,820
vs National
+$10,845
Cost of Living
118%

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

Columbia offers a median probation officer salary of $71,095, which is $4,820 above the Maryland state average of $66,275. Compared to the national median of $60,250, Columbia pays above average for this role.

However, Columbia's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $71,095 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $60,250. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Columbia should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for probation officers in Columbia spans from $44,840 at the 10th percentile to $108,560 at the 90th percentile — a $63,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,200, while senior probation officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,840. With a population of 104,681, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Probation Officer Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level probation officer earns around $47,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,200
+$7,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,160
+$11,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,840
+$15,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $44,840
25th Percentile $56,640
Median (50th) $71,095
75th Percentile $89,680
90th Percentile $108,560

Probation Officer Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$73,505
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$69,288
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$65,070
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$63,263
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Probation Officer in Columbia

Education

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

Find Probation Officer Jobs in Columbia

Browse open probation officer positions in Columbia, MD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Probation Officer Salary in Columbia

How much does a Probation Officer make in Columbia, MD? ▼
The median probation officer salary in Columbia, Maryland is $71,095 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $60,250. Salaries range from $44,840 (10th percentile) to $108,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Probation Officer make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,095, a probation officer in Columbia earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Maryland state average for probation officer pay? ▼
Columbia's median probation officer salary of $71,095 is 7.3% above the Maryland state average of $66,275. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MD? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a probation officer salary of $71,095 in Columbia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a probation officer in Columbia? ▼
Most probation officer positions in Columbia 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.