Public Service Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

Probation Officer Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median probation officer salary in Columbia, MO is $53,020 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$53,020
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-7,230
Cost of Living
88%

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

Columbia offers a median probation officer salary of $53,020, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $53,020. Compared to the national median of $60,250, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbia's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $53,020 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,250 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for probation officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for probation officers in Columbia spans from $33,440 at the 10th percentile to $80,960 at the 90th percentile — a $47,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,200, while senior probation officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,440. With a population of 126,254, 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 $35,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,200
$-4,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,560
$-7,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,440
$-10,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MO

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $33,440
25th Percentile $42,240
Median (50th) $53,020
75th Percentile $66,880
90th Percentile $80,960

Probation Officer Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$55,430
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$54,225
Pop. 301,578
Independence, MO
$51,213
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$49,405
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Probation Officer in Columbia

Education

Most probation officer positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbia and the surrounding Missouri 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, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Probation Officer Salary in Columbia

How much does a Probation Officer make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median probation officer salary in Columbia, Missouri is $53,020 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $60,250. Salaries range from $33,440 (10th percentile) to $80,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Probation Officer make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,020, a probation officer in Columbia earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for probation officer pay? ▼
Columbia's median probation officer salary of $53,020 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $53,020. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a probation officer salary of $53,020 in Columbia has more 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.