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Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

Summary

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Quick Facts: Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
2023 Median Pay $61,800 per year
$29.71 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation None
On-the-job Training Moderate-term on-the-job training
Number of Jobs, 2023 90,700
Job Outlook, 2023-33 4% (As fast as average)
Employment Change, 2023-33 3,200

What Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists Do

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists assist in rehabilitating law offenders in custody or on probation or parole.

Work Environment

Most probation officers and correctional treatment specialists work full time. Their jobs may involve traveling to meet with probationers and parolees. Working in high-crime areas or in institutions may be stressful and dangerous.

How to Become a Probation Officer or Correctional Treatment Specialist

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree. In addition, candidates may be required to pass oral, written, and psychological exams.

Pay

The median annual wage for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists was $61,800 in May 2023.

Job Outlook

Employment of probation officers and correctional treatment specialists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 7,400 openings for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

State & Area Data

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of probation officers and correctional treatment specialists with similar occupations.

More Information, Including Links to O*NET

Learn more about probation officers and correctional treatment specialists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

What Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists Do About this section

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists
Correctional treatment specialists counsel law offenders and create rehabilitation plans for them to follow when they are no longer in prison.

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists assist in rehabilitating law offenders in custody or on probation or parole.

Duties

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists typically do the following:

  • Interview probationers and parolees, their friends, and their relatives in an office or at a residence to assess progress
  • Evaluate probationers and parolees to determine the best course of rehabilitation
  • Connect probationers and parolees with resources, such as job training
  • Test clients for drugs and, if necessary, offer substance abuse counseling
  • Complete prehearing investigations and testify in court or before parole boards regarding clients’ backgrounds and progress
  • Write reports and maintain case files on clients

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists supervise and counsel probationers or parolees, overseeing their clients’ actions in a variety of ways. For example, they may use electronic monitoring to track a client’s movement in the community.

The number of cases a probation officer or correctional treatment specialist handles at one time depends on each individual’s needs and associated risks. Higher risk clients usually command more of an officer’s time and resources. Caseload also varies by agency.

The following are examples of types of probation officers and correctional treatment specialists:

Probation officers supervise people who have been placed on probation instead of sent to prison. These workers ensure that probationers are not a danger to the community and help in their rehabilitation by visiting frequently. Probation officers write reports that detail each probationer’s treatment plan and progress since being put on probation. Most work exclusively with either adults or juveniles.

Parole officers work with people who have been released from prison and are serving parole, helping them re-enter society. Parole officers monitor postrelease parolees and provide them with information on various resources, such as substance abuse counseling or job training, to aid in their rehabilitation. By doing so, the officers try to change the parolee’s behavior and thus reduce the risk of that person committing another crime and having to return to prison.

Both probation and parole officers supervise probationers and parolees through personal contact with them and their families (also known as community supervision). These officers require parolees and probationers to keep in contact regularly by scheduling either telephone calls or office visits. They also check on them at their homes or places of work, taking into account the safety of the neighborhood. Probation and parole officers note mental health considerations and oversee drug testing and electronic monitoring of those under supervision. In some states, workers perform the duties of both probation and parole officers.

Pretrial services officers investigate a defendant’s background to determine whether they can be safely allowed back into the community before their trial date. Officers must assess the risk and make a recommendation to a judge, who decides on the appropriate sentencing (in settled cases with no trial) or bond amount. When pretrial defendants are allowed back into the community, pretrial officers supervise them to make sure that they stay within the terms of their release and appear at their trials.

Correctional treatment specialists, also known as case managers or correctional counselors, advise probationers and parolees and develop rehabilitation plans for them to follow. They may evaluate inmates using questionnaires and psychological tests. They also work with inmates, parole officers, and staff of other agencies to develop parole and release plans. For example, they may plan education and training programs to improve probationers’ job skills.

Correctional treatment specialists write case reports that cover the inmate’s history and the likelihood that he or she will commit another crime. When inmates are eligible for release, the case reports are given to the appropriate parole board. The specialist may help set up counseling for the parolees and their families, find substance abuse or mental health treatment options, aid in job placement, and find housing. Correctional treatment specialists also explain the terms and conditions of the inmate’s release and keep detailed written accounts of each parolee’s progress.

Work Environment About this section

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists
Extensive travel and paperwork can also contribute to more hours of work.

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists held about 90,700 jobs in 2023. The largest employers of probation officers and correctional treatment specialists were as follows:

State government, excluding education and hospitals 53%
Local government, excluding education and hospitals 44
Social assistance 2

Most probation officers and correctional treatment specialists work full time. Their jobs may involve frequent travel, either to perform home and employment checks or property searches or to attend court hearings.

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists may have court-imposed deadlines, adding pressure to complete time-sensitive tasks. Dealing with probationers and parolees who violate the terms of their supervision can be frustrating. Working in high-crime areas or in institutions may be stressful. Because of the hostile environments they may encounter, some officers and specialists carry a firearm or pepper spray for protection.

Despite the job’s challenges, however, the work also may be rewarding. Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists may receive personal satisfaction from counseling members of their community and helping them become productive citizens.

Work Schedules

Most probation officers and correctional treatment specialists work full time. Some workers may be on call and must respond to any issues with probationers, parolees, or law enforcement 24 hours a day.

Meeting with clients often requires travel and working during nonstandard hours.

How to Become a Probation Officer or Correctional Treatment Specialist About this section

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists
Probation officers may go on to specialize in a certain type of casework, such as working with juvenile law offenders.

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree. In addition, candidates may be required to pass competency exams, drug testing, and a criminal background check.

A valid driver’s license may be required, and some agencies require applicants to be at least 21 years old.

Education

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists typically need a bachelor's degree. Common fields of degree include criminal justice or a related security and protective service field, social science, or psychology. Requirements vary by jurisdiction.

Training

Most probation officers and correctional treatment specialists must complete a training program sponsored by their state or local government or the federal government, after which they may have to pass a certification test. In addition, they may be required to work as trainees for up to 1 year before being offered a permanent position.

Some probation officers and correctional treatment specialists focus on a certain type of casework. For example, an officer may deal only with domestic violence probationers or with substance abuse cases; others work only on cases involving juvenile offenders. Officers and specialists receive training to prepare them to work with the type of client their casework involves.

Other Experience

Although job requirements vary, volunteer or paid work experience in the criminal justice field may be helpful for some positions.

Advancement

Advancement to supervisory positions is based primarily on experience and performance. A master’s degree in criminal justice, social work, or psychology may be helpful for advancing.

Important Qualities

Communication skills. Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists must be able to effectively convey information to different types of people, including clients and their families, lawyers, judges, and treatment providers.

Critical-thinking skills. Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists must be able to assess clients’ needs to determine the best resources for helping them.

Decision-making skills. Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists must consider the best rehabilitation plan for clients.

Interpersonal skills. Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists must be able to develop relationships with different types of people, including those who may be hostile or challenging.

Organizational skills. Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists must be able to manage multiple cases at the same time.

Pay About this section

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

Median annual wages, May 2023

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists

$61,800

Counselors, social workers, and other community and social service specialists

$51,970

Total, all occupations

$48,060

 

The median annual wage for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists was $61,800 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $41,700, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $105,220.

In May 2023, the median annual wages for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Local government, excluding education and hospitals $65,310
State government, excluding education and hospitals 59,180
Social assistance 38,900

Most probation officers and correctional treatment specialists work full time. Some workers may be on call and must respond to any issues with probationers or law enforcement 24 hours a day.

Job Outlook About this section

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

Percent change in employment, projected 2023-33

Counselors, social workers, and other community and social service specialists

9%

Total, all occupations

4%

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists

4%

 

Employment of probation officers and correctional treatment specialists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 7,400 openings for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Employment growth depends primarily on the amount of state and local government funding for corrections, especially the amount allocated to probation and parole systems.

Demand for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists should be strong as governments continue to recognize the advantages of community corrections over incarceration in certain situations. Parole officers will continue to be needed to supervise individuals who will be released from prison in the future.

Employment projections data for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists, 2023-33
Occupational Title SOC Code Employment, 2023 Projected Employment, 2033 Change, 2023-33 Employment by Industry
Percent Numeric

SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists

21-1092 90,700 94,000 4 3,200 Get data

State & Area Data About this section

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area.

Projections Central

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.org. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

Similar Occupations About this section

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of probation officers and correctional treatment specialists.

Occupation Job Duties ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION Help on Entry-Level Education 2023 MEDIAN PAY Help on Median Pay
Correctional officers Correctional Officers and Bailiffs

Correctional officers guard people in penal institutions and guard those in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other point. Bailiffs are law enforcement officers who maintain order in courtrooms.

High school diploma or equivalent $53,290
Police and detectives Police and Detectives

Police officers protect lives and property. Detectives and criminal investigators gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes.

See How to Become One $74,910
Social and human service assistants Social and Human Service Assistants

Social and human service assistants provide client services in a variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, and social work.

High school diploma or equivalent $41,410
Social workers Social Workers

Social workers help people prevent and cope with problems in their everyday lives.

See How to Become One $58,380
Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors advise people on a range of issues, such as those relating to alcoholism, addictions, or depression.

Master's degree $53,710
Suggested citation:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/probation-officers-and-correctional-treatment-specialists.htm (visited September 27, 2024).

Last Modified Date: Thursday, August 29, 2024

What They Do

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Work Environment

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Pay

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State & Area Data

The State and Area Data tab provides links to state and area occupational data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, state projections data from Projections Central, and occupational information from the Department of Labor's CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The Job Outlook tab describes the factors that affect employment growth or decline in the occupation, and in some instances, describes the relationship between the number of job seekers and the number of job openings.

Similar Occupations

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The More Information tab provides the Internet addresses of associations, government agencies, unions, and other organizations that can provide additional information on the occupation. This tab also includes links to relevant occupational information from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).

2023 Median Pay

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2023, the median annual wage for all workers was $48,060.

On-the-job Training

Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.

Entry-level Education

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

Work experience in a related occupation

Work experience that is commonly considered necessary by employers, or is a commonly accepted substitute for more formal types of training or education.

Number of Jobs, 2023

The employment, or size, of this occupation in 2023, which is the base year of the 2023-33 employment projections.

Job Outlook, 2023-33

The projected percent change in employment from 2023 to 2033. The average growth rate for all occupations is 4 percent.

Employment Change, 2023-33

The projected numeric change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

Entry-level Education

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

On-the-job Training

Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.

Employment Change, projected 2023-33

The projected numeric change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

Growth Rate (Projected)

The percent change of employment for each occupation from 2023 to 2033.

Projected Number of New Jobs

The projected numeric change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

Projected Growth Rate

The projected percent change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

2023 Median Pay

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2023, the median annual wage for all workers was $48,060.