How Much Does a Chief Public Defender Make in Wisconsin?

Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Chief Public Defender in Wisconsin is $72,687. While Salary.com is seeing that Chief Public Defender salary in WI can go up to $111,130 or down to $60,834, but most earn between $66,482 and $92,809. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Related Job Titles to Chief Public Defender
Public Defender
$103,633
Wisconsin
Per Year
Assistant Public Defender
$103,633
Wisconsin
Per Year
Deputy Public Defender
$103,633
Wisconsin
Per Year
Federal Public Defender
$64,931
Wisconsin
Per Year
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Similar Job Salaries to Chief Public Defender by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
Brown County
Chief Public Defender
$139,188/yr
$124,712
$153,663
RANGE: $124,712 - $153,663
County of Santa Cruz
CHIEF PUBLIC DEFENDER INVESTIGATOR
$133,988/yr
$119,707
$148,269
RANGE: $119,707 - $148,269
County of Mason (WA)
Chief Public Defender
$153,051/yr
$137,135
$168,967
RANGE: $137,135 - $168,967
Santa Cruz County, CA
CHIEF PUBLIC DEFENDER INVESTIGATOR
$196,582/yr
$174,575
$218,589
RANGE: $174,575 - $218,589
Wisconsin State Public Defender
Assistant State Public Defender - Green Bay Region
$131,362/yr
$117,702
$145,023
RANGE: $117,702 - $145,023
State of Wisconsin Division of Personnel Management
Assistant State Public Defender - Spooner Trial Office
$131,349/yr
$117,689
$145,008
RANGE: $117,689 - $145,008
Clark County
Assistant Chief Public Defender - Office of Public Defense
$161,172/yr
$144,821
$177,524
RANGE: $144,821 - $177,524
State of Maryland
Chief of Labor and Employment Assistant Public Defender, Supervisor
$171,985/yr
$152,732
$191,238
RANGE: $152,732 - $191,238
$121,244/yr
$108,635
$133,852
RANGE: $108,635 - $133,852
Chenango County
Public Defender
$82,083/yr
$73,244
$90,921
RANGE: $73,244 - $90,921

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Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Chief Public Defender Jobs in Wisconsin

It is important to understand how location impacts your career prospects in the United States. There are some cities where a Chief Public Defender can find a job easily with a greater salary paid then achieve a higher standard of living. Below is the top cities list for Chief Public Defender job salaries in Wisconsin. Some cities can pay higher salaries for Chief Public Defender jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Chief Public Defender positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Chief Public Defender salary is higher than other cities in Wisconsin. Milwaukee takes first place in this list, followed by Waukesha, Madison. The Chief Public Defender salary is $73,972 in Milwaukee, which is higher than the national average. There is 1 city's Chief Public Defender salary higher than national average in Wisconsin.
The average salary for a Chief Public Defender in Wisconsin is $72,687, but we found that the city with the highest salary for Chief Public Defender jobs is Milwaukee, WI, and it is higher than Waukesha. Chief Public Defender jobs in Milwaukee can have the opportunity to earn higher salaries than in other cities in Wisconsin.
CITY ANNUAL SALARY MONTHLY PAY WEEKLY PAY HOURLY WAGE
Milwaukee $73,972 $6,164 $1,423 $36
Waukesha $73,699 $6,142 $1,417 $35
Madison $72,798 $6,066 $1,400 $35
Appleton $71,490 $5,957 $1,375 $34
Kenosha $71,423 $5,952 $1,374 $34
Racine $71,423 $5,952 $1,374 $34
Janesville $71,357 $5,946 $1,372 $34
Eau Claire $71,165 $5,930 $1,369 $34
Oshkosh $70,847 $5,904 $1,362 $34
Green Bay $70,219 $5,852 $1,350 $34

What Does a Chief Public Defender Do?

“The criminal process requires due process,” said the state’s Chief Public Defender Christine Rapillo.
Updated November 27, 2021
Who can provide consultation and offer suggestions about research and data projects that public defenders hope to undertake.
Updated November 17, 2021
In jurisdictions where the public defender is a government agency, public defenders are generally on the same or similar pay-scale to prosecutors.
Updated December 22, 2021
A good example of such an issue is when Louisiana public defenders were so underfunded, had such a large shortage, and had a huge excessive workload that the office was forced to put defendants in need of a public defender on a waiting list.
Updated December 20, 2021
Mayer Goldman, back in the heydays of the public defender program, questioned what should happen if the public defender represents a guilty defendant.
Updated December 19, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Chief Public Defender Salaries

What is the average of a Chief Public Defender in Wisconsin?

The Chief Public Defender salary range is from $66,482 to $92,809, and the average Chief Public Defender salary is $72,687/year in Wisconsin. The Chief Public Defender's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Chief Public Defender salary in the United States?

The Chief Public Defender salary in San Jose, CA is $93,199 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Chief Public Defender's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Chief Public Defender.

What is the growth rate of the Chief Public Defender's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Chief Public Defender or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Chief Public Defender.