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Parole Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Commonwealth of Kentucky

$52K/yr

Advertisement Closes 6/21/2026 (8:00 PM EDT) 26-02864 Probation and Parole Officer I Pay Grade14 Salary $52,501.44 Annually Employment Type EXECUTIVE BRANCH FULL TIME ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY 18A 40 ...

State of Oklahoma

Probation and Parole Officer

Purcell, OK · On-site

$50K - $54K/yr

Job Posting Title Probation and Parole Officer Agency 131 DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS Supervisory Organization DOC P&P Region I Job Posting End Date Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting ...

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How much do parole officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for parole officer in the United States is $53,190.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $55,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I be a parole officer without a degree?

Typically, a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, or a related field is required to become a parole officer. Some jurisdictions may accept relevant work experience in lieu of a degree, but education is generally a key qualification for this role.

What is the difference between Parole Officer vs Probation Officer?

AspectParole OfficerProbation Officer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, sometimes a master's; criminal justice or related fieldBachelor's degree, often in criminal justice or social work
Work EnvironmentSupervises parolees in community settings after release from prisonSupervises offenders on probation in community or office settings
Employer & IndustryState correctional agencies, parole boardsCourts, probation departments, criminal justice agencies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for post-release supervision rolesRelated but focuses on pre-sentence or sentencing supervision

Parole Officers and Probation Officers both work in criminal justice, supervising offenders in the community. Parole Officers oversee individuals released from prison, while Probation Officers supervise those serving sentences outside of incarceration. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are employed by criminal justice agencies, but their focus and supervision contexts differ.

What are Parole Officers?

Parole Officers are criminal justice professionals who supervise offenders released from prison on parole, ensuring they comply with the terms of their release. They help parolees reintegrate into society by providing guidance, connecting them with resources like employment and counseling, and monitoring their progress. Parole Officers also report violations and work closely with law enforcement and the courts to protect public safety. Their main goal is to reduce recidivism and support successful reentry into the community.

What are some common challenges Parole Officers face when working with clients transitioning back into the community?

Parole Officers often encounter challenges such as helping clients find stable housing and employment, addressing substance abuse or mental health issues, and ensuring compliance with parole conditions. Balancing support and accountability is key, as officers must build trust while also enforcing rules and public safety requirements. Additionally, managing large caseloads and coordinating with other agencies, such as treatment providers or law enforcement, can be demanding but is essential for successful client reintegration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Parole Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Parole Officer, you need a solid understanding of criminal justice, case management, and risk assessment, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with offender management systems, electronic monitoring tools, and law enforcement databases is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and resilience help Parole Officers build rapport with clients and handle challenging situations. These competencies ensure effective supervision, promote public safety, and support successful rehabilitation and reintegration of parolees.

Is it hard to become a parole officer?

Becoming a parole officer typically requires a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field, along with relevant work experience or law enforcement training. Candidates often need to pass background checks, complete training programs, and obtain state certification or licensing, making the process competitive and demanding. Strong communication, decision-making skills, and knowledge of legal procedures are also important for success in the role.

How much do parole officers make?

Parole officers in North Carolina typically earn an average annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, depending on experience and location. They often require a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field and must complete specialized training to perform supervision and intervention duties effectively.

How to become a parole officer?

To become a parole officer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, or a related field, along with relevant work experience in law enforcement or social services. Applicants must pass background checks, complete training at a state police academy or training program, and often obtain certification or licensure as required by the state or agency.
What cities are hiring for Parole Officer jobs? Cities with the most Parole Officer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Parole Officer jobs? The most popular types of Parole Officer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Parole Officer jobs? The top employers for Parole Officer jobs are:
What states have the most Parole Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Parole Officer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Parole Officer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,190 per year, or $25.6 per hour.
Probation and Parole Officer I

Probation and Parole Officer I

Commonwealth of Kentucky

On-site

$52K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Advertisement Closes
6/21/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)
26-02864
Probation and Parole Officer I
Pay Grade14
Salary
$52,501.44 Annually
Employment Type
EXECUTIVE BRANCH FULL TIME ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY 18A 40.0 HR/WK
Click here for more details on state employment.
Hiring Agency
Justice & Public Safety Cabinet Department of Corrections
Location
52 J F Greene St
Sandy Hook, KY 41171 USA
Description
Creating a better, safer Kentucky.
If you want to make a difference in your community and be a part of an exciting team, the Department ofCorrections may have a Career for you! The Department is hiring for Probation and Parole Officers whocontribute to the safety of the communities and re-entry of offenders into society.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Formulate a plan with the offender for ongoing supervision.
  • Prepare documentation as ordered by the Court System and Parole Board.
  • Act as liaison between the offender and the enforcement officials.
  • Testify in Court.
  • Prepare and maintain reports and records.
  • Provide supervision and counsel for offenders.
  • Submit and act on arrest warrants.
The ideal candidate will have:
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Be highly motivated and self-directed.
  • Able to solve problems while working with a vast array of offender issues including addiction, behavior,family, housing, and employment.
  • Candidate should possess reasoning ability to solve problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusionsin a fast-paced environment.
All applicants must meet all federal and state laws applicable to the carrying, use, and possession offirearms and ammunition at the time of employment.
Please be advised that although medical cannabis has been legalized in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, due toother applicable state or federal laws, employees in this position are prohibited from using medical cannabis.
If you need additional information about this prohibition, you may contact the agency point of contact foradditional information.
Minimum Requirements
EDUCATION:Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS:NONE
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE:NONE
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: Experience in probation work and/or parole work, corrections, law enforcement, criminal justice, social work dealing with the rehabilitation of offenders, or in the supervision and care of young adults (ages 12- 21) in a residential, correctional, group home, detention or day treatment program or any combination of the above will substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis. Current or prior military experience will substitute for the required college on a year-for-year basis.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.):Must be 21 years of age. Will be required to carry and/or use a firearm; applicant must not be prohibited from the purchase, receipt, or possession of firearms, ammunition, or both pursuant to applicable federal or state law while employed in this job classification; applicant must demonstrate competence with a firearm by successful completion of all required firearms safety training courses offered or approved by the hiring agency. Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this classification. Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials.
Working Conditions
Employees typically work with convicted felons which may present hazardous situations such as arresting and/or transporting violators to proper authorities.
Probationary Period
This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 12 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.
If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Susan Buskirk at Susan.Buskirk@ky.gov
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D

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