How to become a probation and parole officer in Tennessee
The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC), Division of Community Supervision hires state probation and parole officers under the title Probation/Parole Officer 1 (job code 078141). New probation and parole officers start at $49,176 a year, rising to $73,920. You must be at least 18.
Pay
| Starting salary | $49,176 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | $73,920 |
| Scale effective | 2026-10-01 |
Pay grade K range in the state compensation plan dated October 1, 2026 ($4,098–$6,160 a month).
Source:[tn.gov]
Pay for this work across Tennessee
Federal survey figures for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists in Tennessee, counting every employer in the state, public and private, so they differ from the state's own pay scale above.
| People in this work | 2,120 |
|---|---|
| Lower pay (10th percentile) | $45,610 |
| Median pay | $58,010 |
| Higher pay (90th percentile) | $69,470 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates (all employers)[bls.gov]
Requirements
- Minimum age: 18
- Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree. Full-time related professional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis, including law enforcement experience.
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen
- Be willing and able to qualify with, carry, and use assigned weapons
- Good moral character, as determined by investigation; criminal history disclosure form and release of records
- TBI fingerprint-based criminal history check
- No felony or domestic assault conviction; no discharge from the U.S. armed forces under other than honorable conditions
- Pass a physical examination and a psychological evaluation
- Pass a pre-employment drug screen
- Valid motor vehicle operator's license at time of appointment
- Complete the prescribed course of instruction at the Tennessee Correction Academy and on-line training after appointment
Source:[web.archive.org]
Hiring process
- Apply online for a posted TDOC Probation/Parole Officer vacancy
- Interview (TDOC also runs one-stop rapid hiring events)
- Background investigation, criminal history disclosure and TBI fingerprint check
- Physical examination, psychological evaluation and drug screen
- Six-week Basic Probation/Parole Officer Training (BPOT) at the Tennessee Correction Academy
- One-year probationary period under a Field Training Officer / manager
Source:[tn.gov]
Academy
6 weeks. Basic Probation/Parole Officer Training (BPOT), a six-week pre-service program at the Tennessee Correction Academy. TDOC's FY24-25 annual report says the BPOT curriculum was revised to extend firearms and defensive-tactics hours; new total length not stated.[tn.gov]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) Hybrid Plan (state employees hired after July 1, 2014): TCRS defined benefit + 401(k)
- Benefit formula: TCRS defined benefit: 1.0% x average final compensation (highest five consecutive years) x years of creditable service, plus the 401(k) component (state match up to $50/month)
- When you can retire: Unreduced at age 65 with 5 years of service, or rule of 90 (age + service = 90); reduced (actuarial) at age 60 with 5 years or rule of 80
Source:[treasury.tn.gov]