Probation Officer Salary in Great Falls, MT: $53,020 (2026)

Probation Officer Pay in Great Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Great Falls offers a median probation officer salary of $53,020, which is $4,218 below the Montana state average of $57,238. Compared to the national median of $60,250, Great Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Great Falls'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 Great Falls an attractive option for probation officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for probation officers in Great Falls 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. Great Falls is a smaller market (pop. 60,442), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Probation Officer Salary in Great Falls by Experience

In Great Falls, 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

Percentile	Great Falls	MT State	National
10th Percentile	$33,440	$36,100	$38,000
25th Percentile	$42,240	$45,600	$48,000
Median (50th)	$53,020	$57,238	$60,250
75th Percentile	$66,880	$72,200	$76,000
90th Percentile	$80,960	$87,400	$92,000

Percentile

Great Falls

10th Percentile

$33,440

25th Percentile

$42,240

Median (50th)

$53,020

75th Percentile

$66,880

90th Percentile

$80,960

How to Become a Probation Officer in Great Falls

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Probation Officer Salary in Great Falls

How much does a Probation Officer make in Great Falls, MT? ▼

The median probation officer salary in Great Falls, Montana 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 Great Falls? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $53,020, a probation officer in Great Falls earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Great Falls compare to the Montana state average for probation officer pay? ▼

Great Falls's median probation officer salary of $53,020 is 7.4% below the Montana state average of $57,238. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Great Falls, MT? ▼

Great Falls has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a probation officer salary of $53,020 in Great Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a probation officer in Great Falls? ▼

Most probation officer positions in Great Falls 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.

Probation Officer Salary in Great Falls, Montana