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Probation officers have a serious commitment to the community, and the area they serve. Although serving in the community and making the neighborhoods around you safer is a huge benefit and added perk to being a probation officer, that doesn’t pay the bills.
The median annual salary of a Probation officer in the United States is similar to that of a parole officer, generally around $50K. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median Probation Officer Salary was $45,910 in May 2008. Other research found that both juvenile and adult probation officers earn from $37,077 to $58,826 a year based on experience, education and location.
Probation Officer Salary With a Graduate Degree
Similar to the police officer hierarchy, chief probation officers, or the most senior position in the probation office or those who often have a graduate degree, can earn anywhere from $72,000 to over $100,000 a year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the top 10 percent of probation officers earned more than $78,210. These higher earners are those who have the most experience, and the most education.
As with parole officers, the higher wages are in urban areas. Rural areas, or those with a lower population density will have lower wages and often the probation officers in those areas will wear more than one hat. For example, if you prefer to live in a small town, you might find yourself being deputy and a probation officer, or perhaps holding two careers in criminal justice.
If a career as a probation officer seems like a good fit, get the training you need at one of the schools below. Request information from schools to determine which one is best for you.
