How to Become a Probation Officer
Supervise and support people on probation or parole, balancing accountability with rehabilitation. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $66,270 per year and about average projected job growth.
Median pay
$66,270/yr
Job growth
3%
Openings / yr
7,900
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Case Management
- Risk Assessment
- Counseling
- Report Writing
- De-escalation
Helpful certifications
- State probation officer certification
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- Detective / Criminal Investigator$93,790 median
- Emergency Management Director$93,330 median
- Forensic Science Technician$72,060 median
- Paralegal$62,890 median
- Firefighter$59,280 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Probation Officer make?
The median pay for a Probation Officer is $66,270 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Probation Officer?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work, and Sociology.
Is Probation Officer a growing field?
The BLS projects about average demand for this role, about 3% over the decade, with roughly 7,900 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Probation Officer use most?
Common skills for this role are Case Management, Risk Assessment, Counseling, Report Writing, and De-escalation.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.