### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			probation officers and correctional treatment specialists imageProbation officers and correctional treatment specialists work with and monitor law offenders to prevent them from committing new crimes.							
						Quick Facts:     Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists2023     Median Pay
            						$61,800     per year
										$29.71     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Bachelor's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    Moderate-term on-the-job trainingNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    93,900Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    3% (As fast as average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    2,400What 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							 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, 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 
            

			Probation officers and correctional treatment specialistsCorrectional 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 clientsProbation 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
			Probation officers and correctional treatment specialistsExtensive travel and paperwork can also contribute to more hours of work.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists held about 93,900 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of probation officers and correctional treatment specialists were as follows:
        State government, excluding education and hospitals
                51%Local government, excluding education and hospitals
                46Social assistance
                1Most 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

			Probation officers and correctional treatment specialistsProbation 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

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment SpecialistsMedian annual wages, May 2023Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists$61,800  Counselors, social workers, and other community and social service specialists$51,970  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



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

   
        
    
          
        
    
               Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment SpecialistsPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Counselors, social workers, and other community and social service specialists9%  Total, all occupations3%  Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of probation officers and correctional treatment specialists is projected to grow				 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, 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, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists**
			21-1092
			93,900
			96,200
			3
			2,400
			Get data
 State & Area Data **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 OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists **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.com. 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 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
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**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 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 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 help people prevent and cope with problems in their everyday lives.
            See How to Become One
            $58,380**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.
            Bachelor's degree
            $53,710
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about probation officers and correctional treatment specialists, visit
American Probation and Parole Association
For more information about criminal justice job opportunities in your area, contact the departments of corrections, criminal justice, or probation for individual state or local government.

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
 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 *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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