The probation officer salary in the United States can range from $44,000 to $49,360 annually, according to Indeed.com and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Other sources, like Payscale, claim that the probation officers salary can be as low as $39,041 a year, but it all depends on multiple factors. To see what US probation officer salary you can expect as a future candidate, take a look at the aspects you need to take into consideration below.
Probation Officer Salary Influencers
1. Industry
When it comes to probation officer jobs, we can’t really speak of numerous industries that employ these professionals. The majority of probation officers work for local or state governments, and most are part of a union. However, there can be differences in the type of probation officer position you hold.
For instance, the juvenile probation officer salary is around $42,000. The federal probation officer salary, on the other hand, is $48,000. Furthermore, the deputy probation officer salary for California residents is $50,000. Moving forward, the chief probation officer salary can range from $87,422 to $185,244 annually.
2. Geographic Area
Generally, the differences in locations make up for the lack of industry diversity regarding the probation officer salary in our country. The probation officer salary in California is reportedly the highest in the U.S., with $81,720 annually. After that, these 5 states have the next top salaries in America for probation officers:
- Salary of probation officer in New Jersey – $74,400
- Probation officer salary NY employees get – $66,830
- Iowa salary for probation officer – $66,740
- Probation and parole officer salary in Illinois – $64,710
- Alaska probation officer salary – $64,330
In addition to these top-paying states, a few other popular locations that are frequently sought after are:
- Probation officer salary in PA – $52,620
- Probation officer salary in Texas – $43,520
- Typical probation officer salary in Florida – $39,510
Employment rates are also highly relevant when choosing a state to relocate to as a future probation officer. If you want to boost your job opportunities, keep these top-employing states in mind:
- California
- Texas
- New York
- Florida
- Pennsylvania
Subsequently, California, New York and Pennsylvania would be great geographic areas to get started with as a probation officer.
Unfortunately, there are also plenty of states with all-time low probation officer annual salary estimates. The lowest paying state in the U.S. for these professionals is Mississippi, with just $31,640 a year. These are a few other states you should try to avoid for low salaries:
- Salary of a probation officer in Missouri – $37,970
- Indiana probation parole officer salary – $37,950
- Correctional probation officer salary in Arkansas – $37,560
- Kentucky probation officer salary – $37,370
- Salary for probation officer in Georgia – $35,940
3. Experience
Experience can play a critical role in determining your probation officer salary. Entry-level employees can expect a salary of about $35,000 a year, but those with +20 years’ experience can make more than $57,000 annually. Those with 5-10 years in the field receive about $40,000 yearly, while those with 10 to 20 years of experience make around $47,000 every year.
Working Hours and Environment
Probation officers almost always work full time, with plenty of overtime involved due to the demanding nature of this position. Their working environment varies depending on the parolees and probationers they are currently working with. The occupation involves considerable amounts of stress, especially when lack of cooperation is at hand. The job may also entail traveling, exhaustive paperwork and generally large amounts of work for every case.
Probation Officer Salary by State
| State | Annual mean wage ($) |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 46,150 |
| Alaska | 64,330 |
| Arizona | 54,700 |
| Arkansas | 37,560 |
| California | 81,720 |
| Colorado | 56,540 |
| District of Columbia | 63,130 |
| Florida | 39,510 |
| Georgia | 35,940 |
| Hawaii | 58,760 |
| Idaho | 38,750 |
| Illinois | 64,710 |
| Indiana | 37,950 |
| Iowa | 66,740 |
| Kansas | 39,440 |
| Kentucky | 37,370 |
| Louisiana | 47,880 |
| Maine | 39,600 |
| Maryland | 56,090 |
| Michigan | 57,700 |
| Minnesota | 59,640 |
| Mississippi | 31,640 |
| Missouri | 37,970 |
| Montana | 42,250 |
| Nebraska | 40,360 |
| Nevada | 58,690 |
| New Hampshire | 59,100 |
| New Jersey | 74,400 |
| New Mexico | 42,310 |
| New York | 66,830 |
| North Carolina | 40,400 |
| North Dakota | 52,850 |
| Ohio | 47,480 |
| Oklahoma | 39,500 |
| Oregon | 56,940 |
| Pennsylvania | 52,620 |
| Puerto Rico | 31,200 |
| South Carolina | 39,780 |
| South Dakota | 40,820 |
| Tennessee | 38,710 |
| Texas | 43,520 |
| Utah | 46,580 |
| Vermont | 58,650 |
| Virginia | 45,830 |
| Washington | 54,880 |
| West Virginia | 38,170 |
| Wisconsin | 49,530 |
| Wyoming | 46,880 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Bonuses and Benefit Packages
These professionals can gain up to $3,091 a year in bonuses, depending on their cases, performance and other similar factors. Almost all probation officers have medical benefits – 91%. Vision coverage is offered to about 62% of these employees, while dental insurance is given to 71% of professionals. Rarely (7%) do probation officers have no health benefits whatsoever.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for probation officers in the next few years is pretty slow, but is still positive. While the average percent change in job opportunities for all occupations in our country’s economy is 7%, probation officers can expect just 4% more jobs until 2024. However, this is far less than the increase expected for all counselors, social workers and other community and social service specialists, of 12%.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the probation officer salary comes with attractive health benefits, but also a fair share of downsides. This might not be the right career path for an individual who can’t stand extensive stress or paperwork, but it can be rewarding for those who believe in rehabilitation. If you plan on becoming a probation officer, consider one of the top-paying states that also has plenty of employment opportunities that we spoke about above.
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