Public Service North Carolina (NC) Rank #29 of 50

Probation Officer Salary in North Carolina

The median probation officer salary in North Carolina is $55,430 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $60,250.

Median Salary
$55,430
vs National
$-4,820
State Rank
#29 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Probation Officer Salary Overview in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina ranks #29 out of 50 states for probation officer compensation. Probation Officer salaries in North Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $55,430 per year, probation officers in North Carolina earn $4,820 less than the national median of $60,250.

A key advantage of working in North Carolina is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $55,430 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $60,250 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Carolina is significant: probation officers at the 10th percentile earn $34,960, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $84,640 — a $49,680 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Carolina for this role is Charlotte, where the median reaches $59,045.

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 North Carolina by Experience

In North Carolina, an entry-level probation officer earns around $36,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,960 per year. The cost of living index in North Carolina is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,800
$-3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,040
$-4,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,960
$-7,040 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Carolina

Percentile NC Salary
10th Percentile $34,960
25th Percentile $44,160
Median (50th) $55,430
75th Percentile $69,920
90th Percentile $84,640

Probation Officer Salary by City in North Carolina

The largest employment areas for probation officers in North Carolina include Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Probation Officer in North Carolina

Education

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

Key Skills

Case ManagementRisk AssessmentReport WritingCommunicationCrisis InterventionLegal Knowledge

Job Outlook in North Carolina

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Probation Officer Salary in North Carolina

How much does a Probation Officer make in North Carolina? ▼
The median probation officer salary in North Carolina is $55,430 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $60,250. Salaries range from $34,960 (10th percentile) to $84,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Probation Officer make per hour in North Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,430, a probation officer in North Carolina earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Carolina a good state for probation officers? ▼
North Carolina ranks #29 out of 50 states for probation officer pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level probation officers earn $36,800, while senior professionals earn $80,960.
How does North Carolina compare to other states for probation officer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for probation officers is Hawaii at $102,425. North Carolina's median of $55,430 ranks #29 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Georgia ($56,033) and New Mexico ($56,033).
What is the entry-level probation officer salary in North Carolina? ▼
An entry-level probation officer in North Carolina earns approximately $36,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $57,040. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $80,960.
What city in North Carolina pays probation officers the most? ▼
Charlotte is the highest paying city in North Carolina for probation officers, with a median salary of $59,045. Other cities include Raleigh and Durham.