Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists
SOC Code: 21-1092
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists carries a 36% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $64,520 and +2.6% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 92,300 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists (SOC 21-1092) carries an AI exposure score of 36%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 92,300 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +2.6% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $64,520, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Prepare and maintain case folder for each assigned inmate or offender.
- 2. Gather information about offenders' backgrounds by talking to offenders, their families and friends, and other people who have relevant information.
- 3. Interview probationers and parolees regularly to evaluate their progress in accomplishing goals and maintaining the terms specified in their probation contracts and rehabilitation plans.
- 4. Discuss with offenders how such issues as drug and alcohol abuse and anger management problems might have played roles in their criminal behavior.
- 5. Supervise people on community-based sentences, such as electronically monitored home detention, and provide field supervision of probationers by conducting curfew checks or visits to home, work, or school.
- 6. Investigate alleged parole violations, using interviews, surveillance, and search and seizure.
- 7. Recommend remedial action or initiate court action in response to noncompliance with terms of probation or parole.
- 8. Arrange for medical, mental health, or substance abuse treatment services according to individual needs or court orders.
- 9. Develop liaisons and networks with other parole officers, community agencies, correctional institutions, psychiatric facilities, and aftercare agencies to plan for helping offenders with life adjustments.
- 10. Administer drug and alcohol tests, including random drug screens of offenders, to verify compliance with substance abuse treatment programs.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Active Learning
Knowledge Areas
- Law and Government
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Psychology
- Therapy and Counseling
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Administrative
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists?
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists has an AI exposure score of 36%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists is projected to grow by 2.6% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 92,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists?
Key skills for Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists include Active Listening, Speaking, Social Perceptiveness, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists earn?
The median annual wage for Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists is $64,520, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists?
The typical entry-level education for Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists?
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).