How to become a probation and parole officer in Arizona
The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) — Community Corrections hires state probation and parole officers under the title Community Corrections Officer. New probation and parole officers start at $58,212 a year. You must be at least 21.
Pay
| Starting salary | $58,212 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | — |
| Scale effective | 2026-02-27 |
Grade 18 rate from the state's Community Corrections Officer posting (closed February 27, 2026).
Source:[web.archive.org]
Pay for this work across Arizona
Federal survey figures for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists in Arizona, counting every employer in the state, public and private, so they differ from the state's own pay scale above.
| People in this work | 1,100 |
|---|---|
| Lower pay (10th percentile) | $45,790 |
| Median pay | $60,910 |
| Higher pay (90th percentile) | $80,380 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates (all employers)[bls.gov]
Requirements
- Minimum age: 21
- Education: Bachelor's or master's in criminal justice or related field preferred. Five or more years of any combination of work experience in criminal justice/corrections, human services or social services is required, with a focus on managing a caseload/case management or a leadership/supervisory position; without case management/caseload experience, seven or more years of professional experience is required.
- Adult probation is run by counties under the Arizona Supreme Court; county officers must attend and complete the AOC Probation Officer Certification Academy within one year of hire, score at least 70% on its competency test (one retake allowed), and be certified by the AOC after one year of active service (ACJA § 6-104)
Source:[web.archive.org]
Hiring process
- Apply on azstatejobs.gov for a posted ADCRR Community Corrections Officer vacancy (submit Education Supplement for stipend if applicable)
- Medical/physical evaluation, psychological examination, pre-employment drug screening and background investigation before appointment (some positions)
- Appointment (Arizona driver's license required); attend a Corrections Training Academy (must be 21 before admission)
Academy
Length not published. No official source found for ADCRR Community Corrections Officer training length. County probation officers: AOC Probation Officer Certification Academy within one year of hire (ACJA § 6-104).[azcourts.gov]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: Arizona Corrections Officer Retirement Plan (CORP), administered by PSPRS — Tier 3 (hired on/after July 1, 2018)
- When you can retire: CORP Tier 3 DC plan: account balance; withdrawals subject to income tax/IRS rules (no age/service rule for an annuity)
Source:[psprs.com]