How to become a probation and parole officer in Washington
The Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC), Community Corrections Division hires state probation and parole officers under the title Community Corrections Officer 2 (CCO2), or CCO1 in-training. New probation and parole officers start at $67,908 a year, rising to $95,928.
Pay
| Starting salary | $67,908 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | $95,928 |
| Scale effective | 2026-10-22 |
DOC/WFSE ranges in an Oct 2026 posting: CCO1 Range 49 $4,880-$6,563/month, with minimum starting salary for a CCO1 placement at Step G ($5,659/month = $67,908/yr); CCO2 Range 57 $5,948-$7,994/month (top $95,928/yr; Step M is typically a longevity step). Monthly x 12. CCO1 in-training advances to CCO2 after the training plan (typically about one year). 5% premium pay for permanent duty stations in King County. DOC says a CCO is what other states call a probation and parole officer.
Source:[governmentjobs.com]
Pay for this work across Washington
Federal survey figures for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists in Washington, counting every employer in the state, public and private, so they differ from the state's own pay scale above.
| People in this work | 2,150 |
|---|---|
| Lower pay (10th percentile) | $69,600 |
| Median pay | $82,750 |
| Higher pay (90th percentile) | $104,260 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates (all employers)[bls.gov]
Requirements
- Education: CCO1: high school diploma or GED plus at least four years of qualifying experience (adult/juvenile corrections, counseling, social work, social services, law enforcement, or closely related); OR associate/technical degree plus two years; OR bachelor's degree; OR an equivalent combination totaling four years. CCO2: one year as a WA DOC CCO; OR associate degree plus three years; OR bachelor's degree plus one year; OR an equivalent combination totaling five years.
- Ability to carry and properly use a department-issued firearm; must keep eligibility to possess a firearm under federal and state law
- Unrestricted driver's license valid in Washington
- Felony disclosure form and criminal background check
- Pass psychological screening (battery exam and psychological interview/evaluation)
- Drug testing per the collective bargaining agreement and agency policy
- Complete the Firearms Academy and Control/Impedance Tactics training within prescribed timeframes
Source:[governmentjobs.com]
Hiring process
- Apply online with cover letter, resume and three professional references
- Minimum qualifications screening and application review
- Panel interview
- Reference checks and criminal history check
- Conditional offer, pre-employment drug screen and psychological screening
- Appointment at CCO1 (one-year in-training plan) or CCO2, then trial service
Source:[doc.wa.gov]
Academy
Length not published. New CCOs complete the Case Management Academy (prerequisite) and the Community Corrections Officer Academy (CCOA), plus firearms and control tactics training; core training is required by RCW 43.101.221. Length not stated on the page.[doc.wa.gov]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: Public Safety Employees' Retirement System (PSERS) Plan 2 (RCW 41.37.010(19)(b) covers DOC employees whose primary responsibility is custody and security of incarcerated or probationary individuals as a probation officer)
- Benefit formula: 2% x service credit years x Average Final Compensation (highest 60 consecutive months)
- When you can retire: Age 65 with 5 years, or age 60 with 10 years of PSERS service; early retirement from age 53 with 20 years, reduced 3% per year before 60
Coverage statute: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=41.37.010
Source:[drs.wa.gov]