Public Service Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Probation Officer Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median probation officer salary in Columbia, SC is $54,225 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$54,225
vs State Avg
+$602
vs National
$-6,025
Cost of Living
90%

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

Columbia offers a median probation officer salary of $54,225, which is $602 above the South Carolina state average of $53,623. Compared to the national median of $60,250, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbia's cost of living is 90% 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 Columbia spans from $34,200 at the 10th percentile to $82,800 at the 90th percentile — a $48,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,000, while senior probation officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,200. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Probation Officer Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level probation officer earns around $36,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,000
$-4,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,800
$-6,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,200
$-8,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $34,200
25th Percentile $43,200
Median (50th) $54,225
75th Percentile $68,400
90th Percentile $82,800

Probation Officer Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$63,263
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$60,250
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$57,238
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$55,430
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Probation Officer in Columbia

Education

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

Find Probation Officer Jobs in Columbia

Browse open probation officer positions in Columbia, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Probation Officer Salary in Columbia

How much does a Probation Officer make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median probation officer salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $54,225 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $60,250. Salaries range from $34,200 (10th percentile) to $82,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Probation Officer make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,225, a probation officer in Columbia earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for probation officer pay? ▼
Columbia's median probation officer salary of $54,225 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $53,623. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a probation officer salary of $54,225 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a probation officer in Columbia? ▼
Most probation officer positions in Columbia 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.