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How to become probation officers and correctional treatment specialistseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Social Services Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$66,270
25th–75th pct. $54,250–$84,780
Top pay (est.)
$140,100
Top 10% $107,790
Pay in 5 years
$76,800est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$89,000est.
$76,600–$103,400
Outlook score
55/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
44%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
+3.0%
7,900 openings / yr

How to become probation officers and correctional treatment specialists

Typical education
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

Key skills

Social Perceptiveness
4.4
Reading Comprehension
4.1
Speaking
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0
Active Listening
4.0
Writing
3.9
Monitoring
3.9
Coordination
3.8

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Psychology
5.3
Therapy and Counseling
5.0
Public Safety and Security
4.8
Law and Government
4.7
English Language
4.4
Customer and Personal Service
4.0
Sociology and Anthropology
3.9
Administrative
3.8

What the work involves

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsDocumenting/Recording InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersUpdating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningProblem SensitivityWritten Comprehension

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree
88%
Associate's degree
5%
Master's degree
2%
Some college
2%
Post-secondary certificate
2%

Training before entry

6–12 months
27%
1–3 months
23%
3–6 months
23%
None / short demo
14%
1–2 years
6%
Up to 1 month
5%
2–4 years
2%

Related work experience

2–4 years
29%
1–2 years
28%
None
28%
6–12 months
12%
3–6 months
4%

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as probation officers and correctional treatment specialists

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.