Public Service Columbus, OH Pop. 905,748

Probation Officer Salary in Columbus, Ohio

The median probation officer salary in Columbus, OH is $57,238 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 5.6% above the Ohio state average.

City Median
$57,238
vs State Avg
+$3,013
vs National
$-3,012
Cost of Living
95%

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

Columbus offers a median probation officer salary of $57,238, which is $3,013 above the Ohio state average of $54,225. Compared to the national median of $60,250, Columbus pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbus's cost of living is 95% 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 Columbus spans from $36,100 at the 10th percentile to $87,400 at the 90th percentile — a $51,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,000, while senior probation officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. As a major metro area with a population of 905,748, Columbus typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Probation Officer Salary in Columbus by Experience

In Columbus, an entry-level probation officer earns around $38,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in Columbus, OH

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

Probation Officer Salary in Other Ohio Cities

Cincinnati, OH
$54,225
Pop. 309,317
Cleveland, OH
$51,815
Pop. 372,624
Akron, OH
$50,610
Pop. 190,469
Toledo, OH
$49,405
Pop. 270,871

How to Become a Probation Officer in Columbus

Education

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

Find Probation Officer Jobs in Columbus

Browse open probation officer positions in Columbus, OH:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Probation Officer Salary in Columbus

How much does a Probation Officer make in Columbus, OH? ▼
The median probation officer salary in Columbus, Ohio 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 Columbus? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,238, a probation officer in Columbus earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbus compare to the Ohio state average for probation officer pay? ▼
Columbus's median probation officer salary of $57,238 is 5.6% above the Ohio state average of $54,225. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbus, OH? ▼
Columbus has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a probation officer salary of $57,238 in Columbus has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a probation officer in Columbus? ▼
Most probation officer positions in Columbus 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.