How to become a probation and parole officer in Maryland
The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS), Division of Parole and Probation hires state probation and parole officers under the title Parole and Probation Agent I. New probation and parole officers start at $55,710 a year, rising to $87,867. You must be at least 21.
Pay
| Starting salary | $55,710 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | $87,867 |
| Scale effective | 2026-06-10 |
Grade ASTD13 (State standard salary schedule). Range as printed on the open/continuous DPSCS posting (Recruitment #26-000674-0001, opened 6/10/2026): $55,710.00 - $87,867.00/year.
Source:[jobapscloud.com]
Pay for this work across Maryland
Federal survey figures for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists in Maryland, counting every employer in the state, public and private, so they differ from the state's own pay scale above.
| People in this work | 1,370 |
|---|---|
| Lower pay (10th percentile) | $60,010 |
| Median pay | $76,390 |
| Higher pay (90th percentile) | $96,370 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates (all employers)[bls.gov]
Requirements
- Minimum age: 21
- Education: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with 30 credits in the social, behavioral or correctional sciences; no experience required. One year of specialized experience counseling, investigating or supervising persons on parole or probation may substitute for the 30 credits. Transcripts must be submitted with the application.
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen or resident alien
- Meet all selection standards of the Maryland Correctional Training Commission (COMAR); complete the prescribed training program before permanent appointment
- Maryland driver's license if assigned to operate a motor vehicle
- Subject to call-in 24 hours a day
- Annual recertification including defensive-tactics physical demands; work may involve lifting 50 pounds or more
Source:[regulations.justia.com]
Hiring process
- Apply online to the open/continuous Parole and Probation Agent I recruitment with college transcripts
- Rating of education, training and experience; ranked Best Qualified, Better Qualified or Qualified on the eligible list (at least one year)
- Selection from the eligible list and probationary appointment
- Complete Correctional Training Commission entrance-level training for agent certification
Source:[jobapscloud.com]
Academy
Length not published. Agents are certified by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions (MPCTC); DPP agent academies are held at the Public Safety Education and Training Center in Sykesville. Current academy length not stated on an official page found (DPSCS FAQ's 6-week academy refers to correctional officers). DPSCS FAQ also states the 21-year minimum age.[mpctc.dpscs.maryland.gov]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: Maryland State Retirement and Pension System - Correctional Officers' Retirement System (CORS)
- Benefit formula: 1/55 × Average Final Compensation × years of creditable service; AFC = average of the five highest earning years for members hired on or after July 1, 2011
- When you can retire: Members enrolled on or after July 1, 2011: age 55 with at least 10 years of eligibility service, or 20 years of eligibility service regardless of age; vested at 10 years
Chapters 688 and 689 of 2017 made all current and future parole and probation agents, supervisors and regional administrators CORS members as a condition of employment. Member contribution 5% of salary. Formula per the SRA CORS benefit handbook (https://sra.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/benefithandbook_CORS_updatedJuly-2022.pdf).
Source:[mgaleg.maryland.gov]