How to become a probation and parole officer in North Carolina
The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (DAC), Community Supervision hires state probation and parole officers under the title Probation/Parole Officer. New probation and parole officers start at $48,374 a year, rising to $70,586 after about 6 years. You must be at least 20.
Pay
| Starting salary | $48,374 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | $70,586 |
| Years to top | 6 |
| Scale effective | 2026-07-01 |
Legislated experience-based schedule, S.L. 2026-41 (2026 Appropriations Act) Section 41.18.(b), FY 2026-27: 0 years $48,374; 1 $51,518; 2 $54,869; 3 $58,434; 4 $62,233; 5 $66,278; 6+ $70,586. Officers paid on this schedule do not receive the 3% across-the-board increase (OSHR/OSBM memo, July 24, 2026). DAC benefits list also includes a law enforcement retirement supplement.
Source:[ncleg.gov]
Pay for this work across North Carolina
Federal survey figures for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists in North Carolina, counting every employer in the state, public and private, so they differ from the state's own pay scale above.
| People in this work | 3,310 |
|---|---|
| Lower pay (10th percentile) | $45,410 |
| Median pay | $62,220 |
| Higher pay (90th percentile) | $75,180 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates (all employers)[bls.gov]
Requirements
- Minimum age: 20
- Education: Hold a bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution (may apply within 90 days of graduation).
- Citizenship: U.S. or naturalized citizen
- No DUI/DWI, fewer than six points on the NC driving record, no felony convictions
- Pass psychological screening, drug screening, background check, Criminal Justice certification requirements and a physical exam
- Willing to use a handgun
- Within 90 days of hire: valid NC driver's license, reside in NC within 30 miles of the assigned county and remain there for two years
Source:[dac.nc.gov]
Hiring process
- Online application and screening
- Criminal background check
- Interview by Community Supervision
- Extensive background and reference checks
- Online assessments and personal history statement
- Regional employment office appointment for further testing and forms
- Medical exam, psychological evaluation and drug screening
- Start date set by Community Supervision; basic training
Source:[dac.nc.gov]
Academy
Length not published, paid. DAC page is inconsistent: main text says "six consecutive weeks of basic training", FAQ says "an eight-week period"; trainees stay on campus and are paid for training and travel time.[dac.nc.gov]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System (TSERS), law enforcement officer (LEO) provisions
- Benefit formula: 1.82% of average final compensation × years and months of creditable service
- When you can retire: Unreduced LEO retirement at age 55 with at least five years of creditable service as an officer; probation/parole service counts as LEO service only from July 1, 2017
LEO members are also automatically enrolled in the NC 401(k) supplemental retirement plan.
Source:[myncretirement.gov]