How to become a probation and parole officer in Virginia
The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC), Division of Community Corrections (Probation & Parole districts) hires state probation and parole officers under the title Probation Officer I (working title: Probation Officer). New probation and parole officers start at $53,303 a year, rising to $121,468.
Pay
| Starting salary | $53,303 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | $121,468 |
| Scale effective | 2026-10 |
Top = the ceiling of Pay Band 4 in the state salary structure (bands have no steps); new hires are offered $53,303–$55,271.
Source:[dhrm.virginia.gov]
Pay for this work across Virginia
Federal survey figures for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists in Virginia, counting every employer in the state, public and private, so they differ from the state's own pay scale above.
| People in this work | 2,730 |
|---|---|
| Lower pay (10th percentile) | $46,320 |
| Median pay | $58,820 |
| Higher pay (90th percentile) | $77,010 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates (all employers)[bls.gov]
Requirements
- Education: No degree listed in the minimum qualifications. Minimum qualifications are casework management including direct delivery of services; working knowledge of the criminal justice system and case management (e.g., Motivational Interviewing and other evidence-based practices); report writing and communication skills. Advanced knowledge in Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology, Sociology/Social Work, Criminology, Administration of Justice and Public Safety or a related field is an additional consideration.
- Must be eligible for and obtain the required VCIN certification
- Background investigation (State Police and FBI fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment and education verification, credit checks)
- Pre-employment drug screen; marijuana use prohibited for positions that require possessing a firearm, including probation officers
- Apply only through the Commonwealth's electronic recruitment system
Source:[jobs.virginia.gov]
Hiring process
- Apply online at jobs.virginia.gov
- Interview (decision based on the electronic application/resume)
- Background investigation including fingerprint, credit and education checks
- Pre-employment drug screen
- Obtain VCIN certification
Source:[jobs.virginia.gov]
Academy
Length not published. No basic-training length found in an official source opened.
Pension and retirement
- Plan: Virginia Law Officers' Retirement System (VaLORS) Plan 2; Va. Code § 51.1-212 includes parole officers appointed under § 53.1-143
- Benefit formula: Average final compensation (highest 60 consecutive months) x 2.0% x years of service credit; not eligible for the hazardous duty supplement
- When you can retire: Unreduced at age 60 with 5 years of service credit, or age 50 with 25 years; reduced at age 50 with 5 years
Member contributes 5% of creditable compensation. Vested after 5 years of hazardous duty service credit. Coverage source: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title51.1/chapter2.1/section51.1-212/
Source:[varetire.org]