Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
Probation Officers are criminal justice professionals who supervise offenders granted probation instead of jail time. They monitor compliance with probation terms, facilitate rehabilitation, and aim to prevent recidivism.
Education: Bachelor's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: Moderate-term
Projected Growth: 2.5% (average)
Annual job openings: 7,900
Direct AI exposure: 29% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 61% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $66K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $47K per year | $54K per year | $66K per year | $85K per year | $108K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $15K above the national average. | ||||
Probation Officers typically work for government agencies in probation departments. Their work includes office duties, community visits, and meetings in various settings like courts, correctional facilities, and offenders' homes. They may work irregular hours, including nights and weekends, especially for emergency situations.
Probation Officers play a crucial role in the criminal justice system, balancing the need for public safety with the rehabilitation of offenders. Their primary goal is to assist offenders in becoming law-abiding citizens, while ensuring they adhere to the conditions of their probation. This job involves evaluating offenders' behavior, providing guidance, and connecting them with community resources and services. Probation Officers must be adept at understanding legal requirements and have strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with offenders, their families, law enforcement, and the courts. The role demands a high level of responsibility and ethical standards. Officers must make judgements about the risks posed by offenders and take appropriate actions to manage these risks. This might include arranging drug testing, organizing intervention programs, or recommending modifications to probation terms. Probation Officers need to be resilient and adaptable, as they often deal with challenging and potentially dangerous situations. They should be skilled in conflict resolution and crisis management, and be able to handle stress effectively. This career can be demanding, but it is also rewarding for those dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of others and their community.
A bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or a related field is generally required, amounting to 4 years of post-secondary education. Some positions may also require relevant work experience or additional certifications.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
