Probation Officer Salary in 2026
Monitor offenders on probation to ensure compliance with court-ordered conditions.
Median Salary
$55,000
$4,583/mo
Entry Level
$40,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$72,000
experienced
Job Growth
+3%
10-yr outlook
Probation Officer Overview
Monitor offenders on probation to ensure compliance with court-ordered conditions.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
0-2 years
Industry
Government
Total Jobs (US)
92K
5-Year Growth
+5%
Category
Government
Hourly Rate
$26.44/hr
Monthly Pay
$4,583
Local evidence pages
High-intent Probation Officer salary checks
These pages answer location-specific searches where a national median is not enough. Use them when the question is about an exact city posting, local credential path, or city-specific salary range.
Probation Officer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Probation Officer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Probation Officer Salary
$61,000
$5,083/month · $2,346/biweekly · $29.33/hr
Probation Officer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Probation Officer field.
Entry-level Probation Officers earn around $40,000, while the top 10% earn $80,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Probation Officers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $65,000 | +$10,000 |
| New York | $63,000 | +$8,000 |
| Illinois | $57,000 | +$2,000 |
| Texas | $54,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $54,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Probation Officers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $65,000 | +$10,000 |
| Los Angeles | $62,000 | +$7,000 |
| Chicago | $58,000 | +$3,000 |
| Miami | $56,000 | +$1,000 |
| Houston | $54,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Probation Officer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Probation Officer from entry level to expert.
$40,000
0-2 years
$56,000
3-7 years
$72,000
8-14 years
$88,000
15+ years
Related Government Jobs
Probation Officer Salary FAQ
How much does a Probation Officer make in 2026?
The median salary for a Probation Officer in the United States is $55,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $40,000, while senior professionals earn up to $72,000. Top earners in the field can make $88,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Probation Officer?
A Probation Officer typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 0-2 years of experience. Key skills include Case Management, Interviewing, Report Writing. Relevant certifications such as State Certification can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Probation Officers?
The job market for Probation Officers is projected to grow by 3% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 92K Probation Officer positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 5%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Probation Officers the most?
The highest-paying states for Probation Officers include California, New York, Texas. In California, the median salary is approximately $65,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Probation Officer salary?
To increase your Probation Officer salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Case Management and Interviewing. Pursue certifications such as State Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 0-2 years of experience, you can progress from $40,000 to $72,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Probation Officer Salary
How we calculate Probation Officer salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $55,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Probation Officer in the Government sector.
- Entry-level ($40,000) and senior-level ($72,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +3% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 92K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 5% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Government sector wages.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $55,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Probation Officer compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Probation Officer job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Government
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Probation Officer salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Case Management, Interviewing, Report Writing), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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