Public Service Montana (MT) Rank #25 of 50

Probation Officer Salary in Montana

The median probation officer salary in Montana is $57,238 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $60,250.

Median Salary
$57,238
vs National
$-3,012
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Probation Officer Salary Overview in Montana (2026)

Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for probation officer compensation. Montana falls in the middle of the pack for probation officer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $57,238 per year, probation officers in Montana earn $3,012 less than the national median of $60,250.

Montana's cost of living is near the national average at 95%, meaning probation officer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Montana is significant: probation officers at the 10th percentile earn $36,100, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $87,400 — a $51,300 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Montana for this role is Bozeman, where the median reaches $69,288.

Nationally, probation officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for probation officers across the country.

Probation Officer Salary in Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level probation officer earns around $38,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The cost of living index in Montana is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,000
$-2,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,900
$-3,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,600
$-4,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $36,100
25th Percentile $45,600
Median (50th) $57,238
75th Percentile $72,200
90th Percentile $87,400

Probation Officer Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for probation officers in Montana include Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Probation Officer in Montana

Education

Most probation officer positions require a bachelor's degree. Montana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Case ManagementRisk AssessmentReport WritingCommunicationCrisis InterventionLegal Knowledge

Job Outlook in Montana

Nationally, probation officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Montana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Probation Officer Salary in Montana

How much does a Probation Officer make in Montana? ▼
The median probation officer salary in Montana is $57,238 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $60,250. Salaries range from $36,100 (10th percentile) to $87,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Probation Officer make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,238, a probation officer in Montana earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for probation officers? ▼
Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for probation officer pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level probation officers earn $38,000, while senior professionals earn $83,600.
How does Montana compare to other states for probation officer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for probation officers is Hawaii at $102,425. Montana's median of $57,238 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($57,840) and Illinois ($57,238).
What is the entry-level probation officer salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level probation officer in Montana earns approximately $38,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $58,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $83,600.
What city in Montana pays probation officers the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for probation officers, with a median salary of $69,288. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.