How to become a probation and parole officer in Vermont
The Vermont Department of Corrections (DOC), Probation and Parole field offices hires state probation and parole officers under the title Probation and Parole Officer. New probation and parole officers start at $68,078 a year, rising to $104,853.
Pay
| Starting salary | $68,078 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | $104,853 |
| Scale effective | 2026-10 |
State posting range $32.73-$50.41 per hour (x 2080). Vermont DOC runs both adult probation and parole statewide. Some vacancies are posted as 'Interim Probation and Parole Officer' at the same range.
Source:[careers.vermont.gov]
Pay for this work across Vermont
Federal survey figures for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists in Vermont, counting every employer in the state, public and private, so they differ from the state's own pay scale above.
| People in this work | 190 |
|---|---|
| Lower pay (10th percentile) | $64,730 |
| Median pay | $83,820 |
| Higher pay (90th percentile) | $98,160 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates (all employers)[bls.gov]
Requirements
- Education: Bachelor's degree, or higher, in criminal justice or a closely related field; OR high school diploma or equivalent AND three years or more experience in human services casework or related fields (mental health/addiction counseling, residential treatment, juvenile justice, direct service legal work, emergency services, corrections, law enforcement, military service, or similar roles)
- Valid driver's license
- Criminal background check before hire; any felony conviction, or misdemeanor supervision/sanction within the past 5 years, requires a waiver from the Commissioner of Corrections
- PREA check with previous institutional employers
- Vermont and/or national criminal record, DMV, and adult and child abuse registry checks (AHS Policy 4.02)
- Evening, weekend and alternating shift duty; field travel, possibly by private vehicle
- Must attend mandatory training and gain certifications as determined by the department
Source:[careers.vermont.gov]
Hiring process
- Apply online at careers.vermont.gov to a posted Probation and Parole Officer vacancy
- PREA employment-history check and background investigation (criminal record, DMV, abuse registries)
- Hire, then department-mandated training and certifications
Source:[careers.vermont.gov]
Academy
6 weeks.[outside.vermont.gov]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: Vermont State Employees' Retirement System (VSERS), Group G (DOC employees who provide direct security and treatment services to offenders under supervision in the community, first employed on or after July 1, 2023)
- Benefit formula: Group G service x 2.5% x AFC (AFC = highest three consecutive fiscal years or last 36 months, whichever is higher)
- When you can retire: For members only ever in Group G: normal retirement at age 65 with 5 years or age 55 with 20 years; reduced early retirement at age 55 with 5 years
- Social Security: yes, you also pay in
Group G membership definition: 3 V.S.A. § 455(a)(11)(F) (https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/03/016/00455). The VSERS Group G plan description presents the pension as income alongside Social Security and offers a Social Security level-income option.
Source:[vermonttreasurer.gov]