How to become a probation and parole officer in Missouri
The Missouri Department of Corrections, Division of Probation and Parole hires state probation and parole officers under the title Probation and Parole Officer. New probation and parole officers start at $47,303 a year.
Pay
| Starting salary | $47,303 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | — |
| Scale effective | 2025-07-01 |
Rate listed on the state's current Probation and Parole Officer postings (MoCareers).
Source:[mocareers.mo.gov]
Pay for this work across Missouri
Federal survey figures for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists in Missouri, counting every employer in the state, public and private, so they differ from the state's own pay scale above.
| People in this work | 2,290 |
|---|---|
| Lower pay (10th percentile) | $42,960 |
| Median pay | $46,840 |
| Higher pay (90th percentile) | $51,710 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates (all employers)[bls.gov]
Requirements
- Education: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is preferred; otherwise four or more years of vocational or higher-level experience in social services, probation and parole, corrections casework or custody, guidance and counseling, education, psychology, sociology, mental health, substance abuse, law enforcement, or a closely related area. Education and experience may be combined year for year.
- Valid vehicle operator's license
- Male applicants aged 18 to 25 must be registered with the Selective Service System
- Interview and background check
Source:[doc.mo.gov]
Hiring process
- Apply online through the MoCareers job board
- Attach cover letter, resume, and college transcripts by the closing date
- Interview
- Background check
Source:[doc.mo.gov]
Academy
Length not published. Department lists pre-service and in-service training through the MoDOC Training Academy; length not stated on an official page found.[doc.mo.gov]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: Missouri State Employees' Retirement System (MOSERS), MSEP 2011
- Benefit formula: Final Average Pay × 0.017 × Credited Service = Monthly Base Benefit
- When you can retire: Normal: age 67 with 5 years of service, or at least age 55 with age plus service totaling 90 or more (Rule of 90). Early: age 62 with 5 years, reduced 0.5% for each month younger than normal retirement.
Employees contribute 4% of pay.
Source:[mosers.org]