How much does a probation officer make?

In the U.S., pay can differ by location and employer—for example, local government, state government, and health-care employers have different pay patterns. Experience, extra credentials, and more complex duties or added responsibility can also affect pay.

Provide social services to assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. Make recommendations for actions involving formulation of rehabilitation plan and treatment of offender, including conditional release and education and employment stipulations.

What's a typical day like?

They interview people on probation, check in by phone or at the office, and may visit homes or workplaces, oversee drug tests, and connect clients with help. They also write progress reports and may testify in court.

In the U.S., earn a bachelor’s degree, often in criminal justice or psychology; agencies may require exams, background checks, and applicants to be 21. Then complete government training and any certification test; some trainees train for up to a year.

Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)

Good for people who like helping and teaching and keeping things organized.

Some U.S. probation officers use electronic monitoring to track a person's movement in the community, not just meet them face to face.