Public Service Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Probation Officer Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median probation officer salary in Boston, MA is $91,580 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$91,580
vs State Avg
+$10,242
vs National
+$31,330
Cost of Living
152%

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

Boston offers a median probation officer salary of $91,580, which is $10,242 above the Massachusetts state average of $81,338. Compared to the national median of $60,250, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $91,580 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $60,250. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for probation officers in Boston spans from $57,760 at the 10th percentile to $139,840 at the 90th percentile — a $82,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $60,800, while senior probation officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $133,760. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Probation Officer Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level probation officer earns around $60,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $133,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$60,800
+$20,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$94,240
+$32,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$133,760
+$45,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $57,760
25th Percentile $72,960
Median (50th) $91,580
75th Percentile $115,520
90th Percentile $139,840

Probation Officer Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$96,400
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$66,275
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$63,263
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$59,045
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Probation Officer in Boston

Education

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

Find Probation Officer Jobs in Boston

Browse open probation officer positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Probation Officer Salary in Boston

How much does a Probation Officer make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median probation officer salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $91,580 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $60,250. Salaries range from $57,760 (10th percentile) to $139,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Probation Officer make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $91,580, a probation officer in Boston earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for probation officer pay? ▼
Boston's median probation officer salary of $91,580 is 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average of $81,338. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a probation officer salary of $91,580 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a probation officer in Boston? ▼
Most probation officer positions in Boston 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.