Probation Officer Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $51,815 (2026)

Probation Officer Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median probation officer salary of $51,815, which is $3,615 below the North Carolina state average of $55,430. Compared to the national median of $60,250, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $51,815 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,250 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for probation officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for probation officers in Winston-Salem spans from $32,680 at the 10th percentile to $79,120 at the 90th percentile — a $46,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,400, while senior probation officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,680. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Probation Officer Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level probation officer earns around $34,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$34,400

$-5,600 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$53,320

$-8,680 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$75,680

$-12,320 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$32,680	$34,960	$38,000
25th Percentile	$41,280	$44,160	$48,000
Median (50th)	$51,815	$55,430	$60,250
75th Percentile	$65,360	$69,920	$76,000
90th Percentile	$79,120	$84,640	$92,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$32,680

25th Percentile

$41,280

Median (50th)

$51,815

75th Percentile

$65,360

90th Percentile

$79,120

How to Become a Probation Officer in Winston-Salem

Education

Most probation officer positions require a bachelor's degree. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Probation Officer Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Probation Officer make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median probation officer salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $51,815 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $60,250. Salaries range from $32,680 (10th percentile) to $79,120 (90th percentile).

How much does a Probation Officer make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $51,815, a probation officer in Winston-Salem earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for probation officer pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median probation officer salary of $51,815 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $55,430. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a probation officer salary of $51,815 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a probation officer in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most probation officer positions in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem, North Carolina