Probation Officer
Probation Officer Job Description
The duties of this position include assisting in the rehabilitation of law offenders who are in custody, on probation, or on parole. As part of these duties scheduled office interviews are held with these offenders to determine if they are maintaining the requirements of their release. In addition, regular drug and alcohol tests may be held, arrangements made for needed medical or other services, investigation of the parolee’s daily activities (work, home, school), and initiation of court action for noncompliance with probation terms. Supervision must also be maintained for people who are required to wear electronically monitored devices at home.
Probation Officer Salary Statistics as of 2015
Average annual salary for a Probation Officer is $37427 based on statistics in the U.S. as of 2015. The highest salary recorded was $62124. The lowest salary reported was $26135. These figures will vary on a state to state basis as these are averages across all 50 states.
Median hourly wage for a Probation Officer is $14.085 based on statistics in the U.S. as of 2015. The highest hourly rate recorded was $15.96. The lowest hourly rate recorded was $12.21. These figures will vary on a state to state basis as these are averages across all 50 states.
Bonuses for a Probation Officer are based on the years of experience using statistics from the U.S. as of 2015. The average bonus recorded was $0 from people with 15+ years of experience. The average bonus recorded was $0 from people with under 1 year of experience.
These are the highest paying states for a Probation Officer. These numbers are based of the median annual salary as of 2015.
California – $25,288 – $105,701
Georgia – $23,270 – $40,796
New Jersey – $44,380 – $59,680
Ohio – $29,285 – $41,437
Pennsylvania – $33,410 – $50,868
Texas – $30,492 – $47,446
Virginia – $31,400 – $40,850
These are the highest paying cities for a Probation Officer. These numbers are based of the median annual salary as of 2015.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania –
Houston, Texas –
Los Angeles, California –
Denver, Colorado –
Cleveland, Ohio –
Hartford, Connecticut –
Las Vegas, Nevada –
This chart outlines the average annual salary of a Probation Officer from the past 5 years. In 2015 the average annual salary was $37427 while in 2007 it was just $34709.15
How To Become a Probation Officer
Research shows that 86 percent of probation officer positions filled required a four-year bachelor’s degree, seven percent required a master’s degree, and seven percent required no degree but some college. Several years of work-related knowledge, skill or experience are also an important part of obtaining a position in this field. All positions have on-the-job training called ‘continuum-of-force’ regarding how to restrain, apprehend and control potentially belligerent adults or youths.
Personal conditions require the ability to pass physical tests in lifting, running, supporting a 150 pound weight and so forth. Basic requirements include being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien who is in the process of obtaining citizenship. A personal background investigation, passing polygraph and psychological tests and fingerprinting is required. Proper papers must also be submitted such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, training certificates, school transcripts, driver’s license, proof of auto insurance, and divorce or marriage certificates.
Requirements
It requires a number of personal skills to be successful in this type of position. These include such things as critical thinking, being able to listen and ask appropriate questions, being able to accurately monitor other individuals and take appropriate action when required. Also being able to identify and solve complex problems and make an informed judgment after considering the merits of a case are important. The ability to write clearly and communicate in an effective manner is primary to a successful career in this field.
Specialized Fields
There are many different opportunities in the field of probation officer. These include Juvenile Probation Officer, Correctional Counselor, Parole Agent, Parole Officer, Probation Counselor, and Deputy Juvenile Officer to name a few. This allows a wide range of opportunities for choosing a field of personal interest.
Job Outlook
People who choose the position of probation officer as a career find it a satisfying way of working to better the lives of individuals who have made the wrong choices. Many have found this to be an excellent career decision. It is projected that the growth in this area will advance 14 to 19 percent between now and 2018 with 41,800 projected job openings.
Gender Statistics |
Related Jobs |
||
|
52%
48%
|
Based on our stats gathered across the U.S. 52% of Probation Officers were males while 48% were females. These numbers are based on averages across all states combined. Some individual states may have a much different ratio however.
|
Past Jobs |
Future Jobs Probation Officer or Correctional Treatment Specialist |
Twitter
Facebook
RSS
Google +
Contact Us
Youtube
Linkedin