Probation Officer Salary in Charleston, WV: $53,020 (2026)

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

Charleston offers a median probation officer salary of $53,020, which is $2,410 above the West Virginia state average of $50,610. Compared to the national median of $60,250, Charleston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Charleston's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $53,020 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,250 in an average-cost city. This makes Charleston an attractive option for probation officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for probation officers in Charleston spans from $33,440 at the 10th percentile to $80,960 at the 90th percentile — a $47,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,200, while senior probation officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,440. Charleston is a smaller market (pop. 48,006), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Probation Officer Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level probation officer earns around $35,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$35,200

$-4,800 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$54,560

$-7,440 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$77,440

$-10,560 vs national

Percentile	Charleston	WV State	National
10th Percentile	$33,440	$31,920	$38,000
25th Percentile	$42,240	$40,320	$48,000
Median (50th)	$53,020	$50,610	$60,250
75th Percentile	$66,880	$63,840	$76,000
90th Percentile	$80,960	$77,280	$92,000

Percentile

Charleston

10th Percentile

$33,440

25th Percentile

$42,240

Median (50th)

$53,020

75th Percentile

$66,880

90th Percentile

$80,960

How to Become a Probation Officer in Charleston

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Probation Officer Salary in Charleston

How much does a Probation Officer make in Charleston, WV? ▼

The median probation officer salary in Charleston, West Virginia is $53,020 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $60,250. Salaries range from $33,440 (10th percentile) to $80,960 (90th percentile).

How much does a Probation Officer make per hour in Charleston? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $53,020, a probation officer in Charleston earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Charleston compare to the West Virginia state average for probation officer pay? ▼

Charleston's median probation officer salary of $53,020 is 4.8% above the West Virginia state average of $50,610. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Charleston, WV? ▼

Charleston has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a probation officer salary of $53,020 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a probation officer in Charleston? ▼

Most probation officer positions in Charleston 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 Charleston, West Virginia