Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists supervise people in the criminal justice system and help them reintegrate into their communities. You'll assess risk, monitor compliance, and connect people with resources. The work requires a bachelor's degree and considerable preparation.
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You supervise individuals on probation or in correctional programs, documenting their progress and compliance with court orders. You conduct interviews, gather information from multiple sources, and evaluate whether clients are meeting their conditions. You communicate regularly with supervisors, law enforcement, and treatment providers. You make decisions about violations and escalations, and you help clients access counseling, job training, and other support services. The role combines case management, investigation, and counseling.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists earn a median of $66,270 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 7,900 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You'll need a bachelor's degree to enter this field. Your coursework will cover law and government, public safety, psychology, and sociology. During your degree program, seek internships or volunteer opportunities in correctional facilities, probation departments, or treatment agencies. These experiences build your understanding of the criminal justice system and help you develop the critical thinking and active listening skills the work demands. After graduation, you may complete additional training specific to your employer's policies and procedures.
Most people enter this career through a bachelor's degree program in criminal justice, psychology, or a related field. The path is fairly direct, but choosing the right program and getting real experience early matters, so explore your options with Pathly can map the probation officer and correctional treatment specialist path that fits you and work through it with your counselor.
You do not need a license to work as a probation officer and correctional treatment specialist, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You're drawn to work that helps people change their lives. You listen well, think critically about complex situations, and communicate clearly in writing and conversation. You're comfortable with structure and rules, and you want to make a real difference in public safety.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).