Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
O*NET 21-1092.00 · SOC 21-1092
Probation Officer is a solid career choice. Median pay is $66k a year with +3% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 7,900 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Meet regularly with probationers to monitor compliance with court orders.
- →Write pre-sentence investigation reports for judges to review.
- →Refer offenders to substance abuse treatment or job training programs.
- →Conduct home visits to verify probationers' living situations and stability.
- →File violation reports when clients fail to meet supervision conditions.
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Probation Officer roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Probation Officer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Probation Officer?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Probation Officer Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists is projected to grow 3% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·44% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Probation Officer make?
The median Probation Officer earns $66k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Probation Officer jobs?
Our model puts Probation Officer at 29 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 44% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Probation Officer a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 3% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 7,900 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Probation Officer?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Probation Officer roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Probation Officer?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Probation Officer career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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