How to become a probation and parole officer in Wyoming
The Wyoming Department of Corrections (WDOC), Field Services Division (Probation and Parole) hires state probation and parole officers under the title Adult Probation and Parole Officer (Probation and Parole Agent; job classification SOAP08). New probation and parole officers start at $61,901 a year, rising to $82,534.
Pay
| Starting salary | $61,901 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | $82,534 |
| Scale effective | 2026-07-01 |
Pay grade K ($26.45–$39.68/hr) in the state pay structure effective July 1, 2026; the posted start is the grade's 90% point.
Source:[drive.google.com]
Pay for this work across Wyoming
Federal survey figures for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists in Wyoming, counting every employer in the state, public and private, so they differ from the state's own pay scale above.
| People in this work | 200 |
|---|---|
| Lower pay (10th percentile) | $48,010 |
| Median pay | $56,580 |
| Higher pay (90th percentile) | $74,060 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates (all employers)[bls.gov]
Requirements
- Education: Bachelor's degree (typically in social services) with 0-2 years of progressive work experience (typically in adult probation and parole); OR education/experience substitution of 3-5 years of progressive work experience (typically in adult probation and parole). Preferred: bachelor's in Social Work, Counseling, Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or Administration of Justice.
- Background/reference check and drug test; drug-free and tobacco-free workplace
- Must meet the WDOC dress code (facial hair, body art, piercings/gauges)
- Training and exposure for carrying Reflex Protect (Presidia Gel) force alternative
- Must complete Krav-Maga defensive tactics skills
- Year-round travel and non-traditional hours (early morning, night, weekends)
- May rotate to any caseload, including community corrections, intensive supervision, sex offender, drug court, or presentence investigation
Source:[governmentjobs.com]
Hiring process
- Apply online on the State of Wyoming NEOGOV job site
- Minimum-qualification screening (no eligibility notice is sent)
- Interview
- Background/reference check and drug test
- Defensive tactics (Krav-Maga) and Reflex Protect training with exposure
Source:[governmentjobs.com]
Academy
Length not published. No basic-academy length found in an official source opened.
Pension and retirement
- Plan: Wyoming Retirement System (WRS) Law Enforcement Pension Plan (covers WDOC correctional officers and probation and parole agents)
- Benefit formula: 2.5% of Highest Average Salary (highest 60 months of continuous salary) per year of service, capped at 75% (30 years)
- When you can retire: Full benefit at age 60 when vested, or 20 years of service at any age; reduced early retirement from age 50 when vested (5% per year below 60)
2026 WRS Law Enforcement Pension Plan Handbook.
Source:[retirement.wyo.gov]