Parole officers play a vital role in the criminal justice system, overseeing individuals released from prison to ensure they successfully reintegrate into society. A common question for those considering this career path is: how much do parole officers make? This guide provides a detailed overview of parole officer salaries, effective as of September 1, 2024, outlining the pay scales for different levels of experience and responsibility.
The salaries listed reflect monthly rates; remember that actual earnings can vary based on location, experience, and specific employer (state, federal, or private sector). Let’s explore the different salary tiers for parole officers.
Parole Officer I & II Salary
These positions typically represent the entry and mid-level roles within parole officer ranks. The salary increases with tenure, reflecting gained experience and expertise.
| Title | *Monthly Salary | Months of Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Parole Officer I | $3,975.35 | 0 to 12 |
| Parole Officer I | $3,995.81 | 13 to 24 |
| Parole Officer II | $4,179.91 | 0 to 12 |
| Parole Officer II | $4,202.72 | 13 to 24 |
| Parole Officer II | $4,225.51 | 25 to 36 |
| Parole Officer II | $4,248.29 | 37 to 48 |
| Parole Officer II | $4,271.09 | 49 to 60 |
| Parole Officer II | $4,293.86 | 61 to 72 |
| Parole Officer II | $4,316.66 | 73 to 84 |
| Parole Officer II | $4,339.45 | 85 to 96 |
| Parole Officer II | $4,362.25 | 97 to 108 |
| Parole Officer II | $4,385.01 | 109 to 120 |
| Parole Officer II | $4,407.84 | 121+ |
*Salary rates may differ for return-to-work retirees who are not ERS contributors.
This table provides a clear picture of the salary progression for Parole Officers I and II, where experience directly translates to higher earnings. This steady increase incentivizes dedication and professional growth within the role.
The image shows a table detailing the monthly salaries for Parole Officer I and II positions based on the number of months of employment.
Parole Officer Supervisor Salaries (III-V)
Parole Officer positions at levels III, IV, and V are supervisory roles, indicating a significant step up in responsibility. These positions are typically filled through a competitive application process when vacancies arise. Let’s examine the salary scales for each of these levels.
Parole Officer III Salary
| Title | *Monthly Salary | Months of Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Parole Officer III | $4,407.84 | 0 to 12 |
| Parole Officer III | $4,457.77 | 13 to 24 |
| Parole Officer III | $4,507.73 | 25 to 36 |
| Parole Officer III | $4,557.73 | 37 to 48 |
| Parole Officer III | $4,607.67 | 49 to 60 |
| Parole Officer III | $4,657.64 | 61 to 72 |
| Parole Officer III | $4,707.59 | 73 to 84 |
| Parole Officer III | $4,757.56 | 85 to 96 |
| Parole Officer III | $4,807.53 | 97 to 108 |
| Parole Officer III | $4,857.49 | 109 to 120 |
| Parole Officer III | $4,907.50 | 121+ |
*Salary rates may differ for return-to-work retirees who are not ERS contributors.
As a supervisor, Parole Officer III’s not only oversee other officers but also handle more complex cases and administrative tasks. This is reflected in the higher starting salary compared to entry-level positions.
Parole Officer IV Salary
| Title | *Monthly Salary | Months of Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Parole Officer IV | $4,907.50 | 0 to 12 |
| Parole Officer IV | $4,964.51 | 13 to 24 |
| Parole Officer IV | $5,021.55 | 25 to 36 |
| Parole Officer IV | $5,078.59 | 37 to 48 |
| Parole Officer IV | $5,135.62 | 49 to 60 |
| Parole Officer IV | $5,192.68 | 61 to 72 |
| Parole Officer IV | $5,249.71 | 73 to 84 |
| Parole Officer IV | $5,309.58 | 85 to 96 |
| Parole Officer IV | $5,369.49 | 97 to 108 |
| Parole Officer IV | $5,429.39 | 109 to 120 |
| Parole Officer IV | $5,489.32 | 121+ |
*Salary rates may differ for return-to-work retirees who are not ERS contributors.
Parole Officer IVs likely manage larger teams or specialized units within the parole department. The salary increase reflects the added responsibilities and the level of expertise required.
The image displays the salary progression for a Parole Officer IV based on their length of service, showing incremental increases in monthly salary.
Parole Officer V Salary
| Title | *Monthly Salary | Months of Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Parole Officer V | $5,489.32 | 0 to 12 |
| Parole Officer V | $5,551.01 | 13 to 24 |
| Parole Officer V | $5,613.89 | 25 to 36 |
| Parole Officer V | $5,676.77 | 37 to 48 |
| Parole Officer V | $5,739.69 | 49 to 60 |
| Parole Officer V | $5,802.57 | 61 to 72 |
| Parole Officer V | $5,865.45 | 73 to 84 |
| Parole Officer V | $5,928.35 | 85 to 96 |
| Parole Officer V | $5,991.24 | 97 to 108 |
| Parole Officer V | $6,054.12 | 109 to 120 |
| Parole Officer V | $6,117.03 | 121+ |
*Salary rates may differ for return-to-work retirees who are not ERS contributors.
Parole Officer V positions are at the highest level of supervision, often involving strategic planning, policy implementation, and oversight of entire parole programs. The salary is commensurate with the significant responsibilities and leadership required.
Factors Influencing Parole Officer Salaries
Beyond the specific pay scales outlined above, several factors can influence a parole officer’s earning potential:
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Education and Experience: Higher levels of education, such as a master’s degree in criminal justice or a related field, can lead to higher starting salaries and faster promotions. Relevant experience in law enforcement, social work, or counseling can also be advantageous.
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Location: Salaries for parole officers can vary significantly based on geographic location. States with higher costs of living or greater demand for parole officers may offer more competitive salaries.
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Federal vs. State vs. Private: Parole officers can be employed by federal, state, or private agencies. Federal positions often offer higher salaries and benefits compared to state or private sector jobs.
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Specialized Skills: Possessing specialized skills, such as fluency in a second language or expertise in a particular area of criminal justice, can also increase earning potential.
Conclusion
Understanding how much parole officers make is essential for anyone considering this career. While the salaries listed provide a general guideline, remember that actual earnings can vary. Factors such as experience, education, location, and employer type all play a role in determining a parole officer’s compensation. This information, effective as of September 1, 2024, provides a solid foundation for understanding the earning potential within this important profession.
