Defender Salary

Defender Salary

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As of April 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Defender in the United States is $82,179. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $40. Salaries at Defender typically range from $71,860 to $94,027 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Defender

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at Defender. Use the search tool below to find available positions by title and location and apply directly to start your career.

Is Defender’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Defender's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
Boys and Girls Club of Transylvania County Inc $78,287
-4.7%
Boys and Girls Club of Transylvania County Inc focuses strategically on recruiting and training entry-level apprentices.
Genealogical Society of Monroe County $81,420
-0.9%
Aligns perfectly with prevailing regional benchmarks for this specific job family.
Deschutes County District Attorney $82,781
+0.7%
Suggests Deschutes County District Attorney utilizes a highly similar base-plus-benefits compensation model.
Justice Assistance $89,953
+9.5%
Supported by Justice Assistance's high-margin contracts allowing higher overhead.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+40.4%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

How Defender's Salaries Compare to Similar Companies?

Explore companies in the same industry to compare average salaries, benefits, and career opportunities with those at Defender. Click a company name to learn more.

Employee Reviews: Working at Defender

Considering a career at Defender? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
Staff feel appreciated and respected. Staff turnover is low, which helps maintain continuity, but also limits opportunities for growth. Outstanding commitment to public service and community outcomes. Employee contributions are recognized, and work-life balance is encouraged. The team is generally professional, but response times vary.
Commented in May 12, 2025
36
1
Passionate about their work and incredibly well-organized. Simplified complex legislation into actionable steps. The culture encourages collaboration and inclusivity. Leadership varies depending on the manager. The environment encourages open communication, collaboration, and innovation, allowing everyone to contribute meaningfully. Projects are well-organized, and feedback is constructive and app...
Commented in May 03, 2024
12
3
Strong commitment to employee development through continuous training programs. While the pace is steady, it allows time to focus on quality work. Practical tools provided. Work is structured and calm.
Commented in January 17, 2024
49
1

Defender Overview

Website
www.kcod.org
Founded In
1949
Employees
<25 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
146 Monroe Center St NW Grand Rapids Michigan MI 49503
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
+1 6167748181
Social Media
About Defender
The Kent County Office of the Defender is a private non-profit organization that is committed to excellence in the representation of indigent citizens charged with felonies. We have an experienced staff of twelve (12) attorneys whose sole function is to represent those defendants assigned to this office by the court. Our personnel policy prohibits the attorneys from doing any legal work outside of

What Benefits Does Defender Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Defender offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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What Is the Cost of Living Near Grand Rapids?

Understanding the cost of living near Grand Rapids is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Defender.
Grand Rapids' Cost of Living Index is approximately 89.5 (10.5% less expensive than US average; 2.0% less than MI average). Western MI city, growing, affordable housing. The Rapid bus. When planning your budget based on a salary from Defender, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,000 - $1,500+ A significant portion of Defender salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $140 - $230 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $40 (The Rapid monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $380 - $560 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $330 - $630+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $360 - $660+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,210 - $3,580+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Defender

1. What is the estimated average total compensation at Defender?

Salary.com estimates that the average total compensation package at Defender, which can include base salary, potential bonuses, and benefits, is around $82,179 annually . Total compensation provides a more holistic view of an employee's earnings.

2. How much does Defender pay compared to Boys and Girls Club of Transylvania County Inc?

The average annual salary at Defender is $82,179, or an hourly wage of $40, in comparison to Boys and Girls Club of Transylvania County Inc which pays $78,287 per year or $38 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Defender?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Defender due to varying market demand for specific skill sets and the nature of the roles. For example, technical roles in Engineering or IT may command different salary ranges compared to roles in Marketing or Human Resources.

4. What's the typical salary progression for an employee moving from an entry-level to a senior role at Defender?

Salary progression from an entry-level to a senior role at Defender can be significant, often involving several promotions and substantial pay increases. For example, an entry-level Analyst might see their salary potentially double or more as they progress to a Senior Manager or Director position over several years, assuming strong performance and development.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from Defender in Grand Rapids is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from Defender in Grand Rapids is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Defender and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Grand Rapids" to understand its purchasing power.

6. Are promotions at Defender usually accompanied by a significant salary increase?

Yes, promotions at Defender are generally accompanied by a salary increase. The amount of the increase typically reflects the greater responsibilities, skills, and scope of the new role. The percentage increase can vary widely depending on the level of promotion and the company's compensation structure.

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