Public Service Houston, TX Pop. 2,304,580

Probation Officer Salary in Houston, Texas

The median probation officer salary in Houston, TX is $57,840 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 4.3% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$57,840
vs State Avg
+$2,410
vs National
$-2,410
Cost of Living
96%

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

Houston offers a median probation officer salary of $57,840, which is $2,410 above the Texas state average of $55,430. Compared to the national median of $60,250, Houston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Houston's cost of living is 96% 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 Houston spans from $36,480 at the 10th percentile to $88,320 at the 90th percentile — a $51,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,400, while senior probation officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $84,480. As a major metro area with a population of 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Probation Officer Salary in Houston by Experience

In Houston, an entry-level probation officer earns around $38,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,480 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,400
$-1,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,520
$-2,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,480
$-3,520 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Houston, TX

Percentile Houston
10th Percentile $36,480
25th Percentile $46,080
Median (50th) $57,840
75th Percentile $72,960
90th Percentile $88,320

Probation Officer Salary in Other Texas Cities

Austin, TX
$63,263
Pop. 978,908
Dallas, TX
$60,250
Pop. 1,304,379
Fort Worth, TX
$55,430
Pop. 918,915
San Antonio, TX
$53,020
Pop. 1,434,625

How to Become a Probation Officer in Houston

Education

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

Find Probation Officer Jobs in Houston

Browse open probation officer positions in Houston, TX:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Probation Officer Salary in Houston

How much does a Probation Officer make in Houston, TX? ▼
The median probation officer salary in Houston, Texas is $57,840 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $60,250. Salaries range from $36,480 (10th percentile) to $88,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Probation Officer make per hour in Houston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,840, a probation officer in Houston earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Houston compare to the Texas state average for probation officer pay? ▼
Houston's median probation officer salary of $57,840 is 4.3% above the Texas state average of $55,430. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX? ▼
Houston has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a probation officer salary of $57,840 in Houston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a probation officer in Houston? ▼
Most probation officer positions in Houston 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.