Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists fall under the Community and Social Service category in the U.S. occupational classification. Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists earn a median salary of $66,270 per year, ranking in the top 42% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +3.0% job growth through 2035, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a bachelor's degree, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do probation officers and correctional treatment specialists earn?

The median annual wage for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists is $66,270. That puts probation officers and correctional treatment specialists at #345 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is above the U.S. median for individual workers and reflects a stable, credentialed occupation. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is probation officers and correctional treatment specialists a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists is +3.0%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 93K positions in 2024 to 96K in 2034, a net change of 3K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.

What education does my child need to become probation officers and correctional treatment specialist?

The standard path into probation officers and correctional treatment specialists begins with a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by entry-level experience or internships during college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
  $64,330 median
• Health Education Specialists
  $64,070 median
• Clergy
  $60,810 median
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
  $60,280 median
• Child, Family, and School Social Workers
  $59,550 median
• Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other
  $56,730 median

Common questions parents ask about probation officers and correctional treatment specialists