Probation Officer
Supervise offenders in the community, assess risk and help reduce reoffending.
This UK probation officer career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £28,000 - £33,000
- Mid-career salary
- £35,000 - £40,000
- Senior salary
- £42,000 - £52,000
- Work environment
- Office, prison and community settings
- Time to entry
- 2 - 3 years (PQiP programme)
- Degree required
- Yes - PQiP requires degree
- Category
- Public Sector and Emergency Services
What a Probation Officer does
Supervise offenders in the community, assess risk and help reduce reoffending.
How to become a Probation Officer
- Look up Probation Officer roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Probation Officer - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Risk assessment
- Interviewing
- Resilience
- Report writing