Jury Duty Pay Wisconsin 2026
Complete Compensation Guide

If you've received a jury summons in Wisconsin, you're probably wondering: how much will I actually get paid? This guide covers everything Wisconsin jurors need to know about jury duty compensation in 2026 — from the state court's daily fee schedule to mileage reimbursement and employer obligations.

Wisconsin Jury Duty Pay Schedule

Wisconsin's jury duty pay is set by state statute and applies to all state-level courts. Federal courts operating in Wisconsin follow the federal pay schedule ($50/day for days 1–10, $60/day thereafter), which is separate.

Service Type	Daily Pay	Notes
Wisconsin State Court	$16/day	Standard state rate
Federal Court (in Wisconsin)	$50–$60/day	Separate from state court
Grand Jury (Wisconsin)	$16/day	Same rate, longer duration
Mileage Reimbursement	$0.25/mi	Travel to courthouse

Important note: Wisconsin pays $16/day with standard mileage reimbursement.

Mileage Reimbursement in Wisconsin

The court reimburses jurors at $0.25/mi for travel to the courthouse. You must track your mileage each day and submit a mileage log to the jury clerk at the end of your service. Keep all parking receipts as many courts reimburse parking separately.

Example Calculation

If you live 20 miles from the courthouse and serve for 4 days:

• Court pay: 4 × $16 = calculated by your state rate
• Mileage: 20 miles × $0.25/mi × 4 days
• Use our Pay Calculator for exact totals

Does Your Employer Have to Pay You in Wisconsin?

The answer in Wisconsin: ❌ Not Required by state law (employer's discretion).

While not legally required, many large employers in Wisconsin voluntarily provide full or partial pay during jury duty. Always check your employee handbook or HR policy before assuming you won't be compensated.

Your Legal Rights as a Wisconsin Juror

Wisconsin, like all US states, has anti-retaliation laws protecting jurors from employment consequences:

• Your employer cannot fire you for serving on a jury
• Your employer cannot threaten, demote, or penalize you
• You are entitled to return to your same position after service ends
• Benefits (health insurance, retirement) continue during your service period
• If retaliated against, you can seek legal remedies including reinstatement and back pay

Can You Get Excused from Jury Duty in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin courts allow jurors to request postponement or hardship exemptions. Generally accepted reasons include:

• Extreme financial hardship (especially self-employed individuals with documented income loss)
• Primary caregiver with no alternative childcare arrangements
• Medical conditions verified by a physician's letter
• Pre-scheduled travel that cannot be reasonably postponed
• Prior jury service within a disqualifying period

Contact your local Wisconsin court or check your jury summons for the specific postponement process.

Is Jury Duty Pay Taxable in Wisconsin?

Yes. Jury duty pay received from Wisconsin courts is taxable ordinary income and must be reported on your federal tax return (Form 1040). If your state has an income tax, it is likely taxable at the state level as well.

Exception: if your employer requires you to remit your court stipend to them because they are paying your full salary, you can deduct the amount you return from your federal taxable income.

Jury Duty Pay in Major Wisconsin Cities & Counties

While the state court rate of $16/day applies across Wisconsin, the specific courthouse you report to depends on your county of residence. Here are the most active jury courts in Wisconsin:

Regardless of which county or city you serve in, the base state compensation is $16/day. Some counties may have slightly different parking reimbursement policies — always verify with your summons.

How Jurors are Selected in Wisconsin

Like most states, Wisconsin uses a randomized selection process to pull juror pools. The court primarily draws names from:

• Registered voters in Wisconsin
• Licensed drivers and state ID holders from the DMV

If your name belongs to either of these databases, you are eligible to be randomly summoned. Wisconsin law ensures that the juror pool represents a fair cross-section of the community.

Wisconsin Courthouse Dress Code & Rules

When reporting for jury duty in Wisconsin, you must adhere to the court's dress code. Courts enforce a business casual policy.

• Do not wear: Shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, hats, or clothing with offensive messaging.
• Security: All Wisconsin courthouses have security screening. Do not bring pocket knives, mace, or weapons of any kind.
• Electronics: Most courts allow cell phones in the jury assembly room, but they must be completely turned off when entering a courtroom.

What Happens if You Skip Jury Duty in Wisconsin?

Jury duty is a legal obligation. Ignoring a jury summons in Wisconsin can result in serious legal consequences, including:

• Being held in Contempt of Court
• Fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 depending on the specific judge and county
• A new summons to appear in court and explain your absence

If you genuinely cannot attend, always follow the proper postponement or excuse procedures outlined on your summons rather than simply failing to appear.

Wisconsin County Variations & Courthouses

Wisconsin’s jury system is decentralized down to the county level, meaning your experience in Milwaukee will look very different from service in Madison. While state law (Section 756.25) dictates a minimum pay of $16.00 per day, many Wisconsin counties have exercised their right to increase this rate to better reflect local living costs.

Primary Reporting Locations

If you are summoned for state-level service in Wisconsin, you will likely report to one of these major judicial centers:

• Milwaukee: Milwaukee County Courthouse (901 N 9th St).
• Madison: Dane County Courthouse (215 S Hamilton St).
• Green Bay: Brown County Courthouse (100 S Jefferson St).
• Kenosha: Kenosha County Courthouse (912 56th St).
• Racine: Racine County Courthouse (730 Wisconsin Ave).

Notable County Differences

Wisconsin's counties offer varying compensation and logistical support:

• Milwaukee County Logistics: Reporting to the massive Milwaukee County Courthouse requires planning. The county provides free parking for jurors in the MacArthur Square Underground Garage (entrances on N. James Lovell St). You must have your parking ticket validated in the jury assembly room.
• Dane County (Madison) Pay: Madison jurors receive higher daily compensation than the state minimum. As of 2026, **Dane County pays $25.00 per day** for jury service. They also utilize a highly efficient automated "Juror Hotline" where you must call after 5:15 PM the night before to confirm your attendance.
• Brown County (Green Bay): Jurors in Green Bay report to the historic courthouse on Jefferson Street. They offer a unique "One Week or One Trial" term of service, providing more predictability for your work schedule.

Real-World Case: 5-Day Trial in Milwaukee, WI

To help you understand how Wisconsin's reimbursement works in practice, let’s look at a typical 5-day service stint for a juror reporting to the Milwaukee County Courthouse.

Frequently Asked Questions — Wisconsin Jury Duty

How much do you get paid for jury duty in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin state courts pay jurors $16/day. Federal courts in Wisconsin pay $50/day (days 1–10) and $60/day after 10 days. Mileage reimbursement is $0.25/mi.

What if I'm self-employed and called for jury duty in Wisconsin?

Self-employed individuals in Wisconsin receive only the standard court stipend of $16/day — there is no employer to supplement it. If your business income will be significantly impacted, you may apply for a financial hardship exemption. Document your income loss carefully for the court.

Does Wisconsin require grand jury pay?

Grand jurors in Wisconsin generally receive the same $16/day rate as regular trial jurors. However, since grand jury service can last many months, it creates more significant financial impact. Wisconsin courts may offer additional hardship considerations for extended grand jury service.

Where do I report for jury duty in Wisconsin?

Your summons specifies the exact courthouse. Wisconsin's major jury courts are located in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha, Racine. Always confirm your reporting location on your official summons document — never assume based on proximity.