Public Defender Service Salary

As of August 2026, the average hourly salary for employees at Public Defender Service in the United States is $53. This translates to an approximate annual wage of $109,667. Salaries at Public Defender Service typically range from $46 to $60 hourly, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Public Defender Service

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Is Public Defender Service’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Public Defender Service'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
Law Offices of Thomas L Gallivan PLLC $53
+1.0%
Suggests Law Offices of Thomas L Gallivan PLLC utilizes a highly similar base-plus-benefits compensation model.
Aura Co $51
-3.0%
Reflects market rates for standard general contracting, differing from specialized roles.
Larson Realty $47
-10.4%
Typical compensation structure for smaller regional agencies like Larson Realty.
Amberg Engineering Ltd $52
-1.0%
Reflects stabilized pricing equilibrium for commercial construction roles in this region.
Business Services Industry $59
+10.3%
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.

Employee Reviews: Working at Public Defender Service

Considering a career at Public Defender Service? 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.
The opportunities for advancement are real, and the support to get there is unwavering. Team dynamics are a strong suit. They keep us informed at every step, ensuring transparency. Training opportunities are readily available, and mentorship has helped me reach new professional goals. The employee stock purchase plan is a great benefit.
The diversity and inclusion initiatives are more than just talk; they're put into practice. For this company the level of organization is impressive. This level of trust boosts my confidence and makes me more invested in the outcomes of my work. Employees are respected and treated fairly, but recognition is infrequent. Met our requirements without added value. It's the kind of place where you feel...
Training is available and it is tailored to individual roles. Change happens and innovation isn’t a strong focus. I started with minimal experience, but this company nurtured me with training, mentorship, and continuous support. Managers are approachable and committed to team development.

Public Defender Service Overview

Website
www.pdsdc.org
Founded In
1960
Employees
100 - 200 employees
Industry
Business Services
Headquarter Address
633 Indiana Ave NW Washington District of Columbia DC 20004
Revenue
$10 Million - $50 Million
Phone Number
+1 2028242531
Social Media
About Public Defender Service
Founded in 1970, The Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia is a federally funded, independent organization governed by a Board of Trustees. The Public Defender Service provides legal defense to individuals on a court-appointed basis for criminal and delinquency cases. They are headquartered in Washington, D.C.

What Benefits Does Public Defender Service Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Public Defender Service 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 Washington?

Understanding the cost of living near Washington is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Public Defender Service.
Washington D.C.'s Cost of Living Index is approximately 148.7 (48.7% more expensive than US average). Nation's capital, very high housing costs, extensive public transit (WMATA), high overall expenses. When planning your budget based on a salary from Public Defender Service, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $2,200 - $3,300+ A significant portion of Public Defender Service salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $150 - $250 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $70-200+ (WMATA SmarTrip varies by use) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $450 - $680 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $500 - $900+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $400 - $750+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $3,770 - $5,880+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Public Defender Service

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Public Defender Service?

The typical salary range for most roles at Public Defender Service is approximately from $46 to $60 per hour. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.

2. How much does Public Defender Service pay compared to Law Offices of Thomas L Gallivan PLLC?

The average annual salary at Public Defender Service is $109,667, or an hourly wage of $53, in comparison to Law Offices of Thomas L Gallivan PLLC which pays $110,796 per year or $53 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Public Defender Service?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Public Defender Service 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. How does experience level affect salary at Public Defender Service?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Public Defender Service, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.

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

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

6. Why might an individual's actual salary at Public Defender Service differ from the ranges shown here?

An individual's actual salary at Public Defender Service can differ from our estimated ranges due to various factors. These include their specific years of experience in the role, unique skills or certifications, educational background, performance record, the specific team or department they join, negotiation outcomes, and even the precise timing of when they were hired relative to market fluctuations. Our ranges represent typical compensation.