What Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Prepare and maintain case folder for each assigned inmate or offender"; "Write reports describing offenders' progress"; "Inform offenders or inmates of requirements of conditional release, such as office visits, restitution payments, or educational and employment stipulations"; "Discuss with offenders how such issues as drug and alcohol abuse and anger management problems might have played roles in their criminal behavior"; "Gather information about offenders' backgrounds by talking to offenders, their families and friends, and other people who have relevant information".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is moderate-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 93,700 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 96,500 in 2035, an increase of 2,800 jobs (+3%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 7,900 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 8.4% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $66,270, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists earn the most
Published data currently covers California, where the employment-weighted average of local median wages is $102,871. More states are added as pages are published.
Occupations related to Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Community Health Workers and Social and Human Service Assistants belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (21-1000) include Marriage and Family Therapists, Healthcare Social Workers, Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors and Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers.
Frequently asked questions about Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
What is the national median wage for Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $66,270.
What is the job outlook for Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists?
BLS projects employment to grow by 3% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 7,900 openings a year.
What education do Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree and moderate-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.