Public Service Helena, MT Pop. 32,315

Probation Officer Salary in Helena, Montana

The median probation officer salary in Helena, MT is $56,635 per year, which is 6% below the national median and 1.1% below the Montana state average.

City Median
$56,635
vs State Avg
$-603
vs National
$-3,615
Cost of Living
94%

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

Helena offers a median probation officer salary of $56,635, which is $603 below the Montana state average of $57,238. Compared to the national median of $60,250, Helena pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Helena's cost of living is 94% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for probation officers in Helena spans from $35,720 at the 10th percentile to $86,480 at the 90th percentile — a $50,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,600, while senior probation officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $82,720. Helena is a smaller market (pop. 32,315), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Probation Officer Salary in Helena by Experience

In Helena, an entry-level probation officer earns around $37,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,720 per year. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,600
$-2,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,280
$-3,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$82,720
$-5,280 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Helena, MT

Percentile Helena
10th Percentile $35,720
25th Percentile $45,120
Median (50th) $56,635
75th Percentile $71,440
90th Percentile $86,480

Probation Officer Salary in Other Montana Cities

Bozeman, MT
$69,288
Pop. 53,293
Missoula, MT
$61,455
Pop. 75,516
Billings, MT
$57,840
Pop. 117,116
Great Falls, MT
$53,020
Pop. 60,442

How to Become a Probation Officer in Helena

Education

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

Find Probation Officer Jobs in Helena

Browse open probation officer positions in Helena, MT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Probation Officer Salary in Helena

How much does a Probation Officer make in Helena, MT? ▼
The median probation officer salary in Helena, Montana is $56,635 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $60,250. Salaries range from $35,720 (10th percentile) to $86,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Probation Officer make per hour in Helena? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,635, a probation officer in Helena earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Helena compare to the Montana state average for probation officer pay? ▼
Helena's median probation officer salary of $56,635 is 1.1% below the Montana state average of $57,238. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Helena, MT? ▼
Helena has a cost of living index of 94% compared to the national average. This means a probation officer salary of $56,635 in Helena has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a probation officer in Helena? ▼
Most probation officer positions in Helena 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.