Public Service Wisconsin (WI) Rank #31 of 50

Probation Officer Salary in Wisconsin

The median probation officer salary in Wisconsin is $55,430 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $60,250.

Median Salary
$55,430
vs National
$-4,820
State Rank
#31 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Probation Officer Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #31 out of 50 states for probation officer compensation. Probation Officer salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $55,430 per year, probation officers in Wisconsin earn $4,820 less than the national median of $60,250.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $55,430 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $60,250 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: probation officers at the 10th percentile earn $34,960, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $84,640 — a $49,680 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, where the median reaches $60,250.

Nationally, probation officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for probation officers across the country.

Probation Officer Salary in Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level probation officer earns around $36,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,960 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,800
$-3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,040
$-4,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,960
$-7,040 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $34,960
25th Percentile $44,160
Median (50th) $55,430
75th Percentile $69,920
90th Percentile $84,640

Probation Officer Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for probation officers in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Probation Officer in Wisconsin

Education

Most probation officer positions require a bachelor's degree. Wisconsin has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Case ManagementRisk AssessmentReport WritingCommunicationCrisis InterventionLegal Knowledge

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

Nationally, probation officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Wisconsin's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Probation Officer Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Probation Officer make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median probation officer salary in Wisconsin is $55,430 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $60,250. Salaries range from $34,960 (10th percentile) to $84,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Probation Officer make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,430, a probation officer in Wisconsin earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for probation officers? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #31 out of 50 states for probation officer pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level probation officers earn $36,800, while senior professionals earn $80,960.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for probation officer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for probation officers is Hawaii at $102,425. Wisconsin's median of $55,430 ranks #31 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Carolina ($55,430) and Texas ($55,430).
What is the entry-level probation officer salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level probation officer in Wisconsin earns approximately $36,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $57,040. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $80,960.
What city in Wisconsin pays probation officers the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for probation officers, with a median salary of $60,250. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.