State Appellate Defender Office Salary

As of September 2026, the average annual salary for employees at State Appellate Defender Office in the United States is $83,762. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $40. Salaries at State Appellate Defender Office typically range from $73,244 to $95,844 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Is State Appellate Defender Office’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does State Appellate Defender Office'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
Michigan Open Carry Inc $82,338
-1.7%
Reflects stabilized pricing equilibrium for commercial construction roles in this region.
Christian County Emergency Services $80,682
-3.7%
Christian County Emergency Services operates with a leaner overhead structure, impacting base wage offers.
Washington State Council $87,717
+4.7%
Data suggests Washington State Council's workforce skews heavily towards veteran, high-tenure roles.
City of Arden Hills $92,137
+10.0%
Reflects structural premiums typical of City of Arden Hills's large-cap national operations.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+37.7%
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 State Appellate Defender Office

Considering a career at State Appellate Defender Office? 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.
Leadership supports employee development and encourages feedback. This institution truly lives its values. The job is stable with a clear structure, but promotions can take time. An ideal blend of professionalism and empathy.
Working in this organization has provided a deep sense of purpose. The environment here is both structured and flexible. Employee recognition programs are meaningful and frequent. It's a job where you can truly feel like you're building a better society. The organization values consistency, which can be both a strength and a weakness. Highly relevant. Communication could be more proactive. The imp...
This is a workplace for those who appreciate predictability and it is ideal for fast-paced career development. Leadership is approachable and genuinely invested in employee success. The organization offers a stable, supportive work environment. They are open to new ideas for efficiency and effectiveness, from digitalizing processes to implementing new teaching methodologies. Coworkers are kind, de...

State Appellate Defender Office Overview

Website
www.sado.org
Founded In
1969
Employees
<25 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
200 N Washington Sq Lansing Michigan MI 48913
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
+1 5173341200
Social Media
About State Appellate Defender Office
Michigan's State Appellate Defender Office (SADO) was formed in 1969 as a result of a grant submitted by the Michigan Supreme Court to the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (LEAA). After receiving the grant, the Court issued Order 1970-1, formally establishing the Appellate Defender Commission. The Michigan Supreme Court established the office to provide high-quality, efficient legal repre

What Benefits Does State Appellate Defender Office Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. State Appellate Defender Office 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 Lansing?

Understanding the cost of living near Lansing is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at State Appellate Defender Office.
Lansing's Cost of Living Index is approximately 83.1 (16.9% less expensive than US average; 8.0% less than MI average). State capital (Michigan State Univ. nearby), affordable housing. CATA bus. When planning your budget based on a salary from State Appellate Defender Office, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $800 - $1,200+ A significant portion of State Appellate Defender Office salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $140 - $230 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $50 (CATA monthly pass, free for MSU) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $370 - $550 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $300 - $580+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $350 - $640+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,010 - $3,200+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of State Appellate Defender Office

1. How much does a State Appellate Defender Office employee make?

State Appellate Defender Office pays its employees an average of $83,762 per year. The average salary at State Appellate Defender Office range from $73,244 to $95,844 per year. 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. Which similar company tend to pay more or less than State Appellate Defender Office?

The salary at State Appellate Defender Office is higher than the similar company. The average annual salary at State Appellate Defender Office is $83,762, or an hourly wage of $40, in comparison to Michigan Open Carry Inc which pays $82,338 per year or $40 per hour.

3. How much does a Project Director typically earn at State Appellate Defender Office?

A Project Director at State Appellate Defender Office typically earns an average annual base salary of around $134,467, with a general range of $120,713 to $147,650.

4. Do employees with advanced degrees (Master's, PhD) earn more at State Appellate Defender Office?

In many roles at State Appellate Defender Office, particularly those requiring specialized knowledge or research capabilities (e.g., certain engineering, scientific, or financial roles), an advanced degree like a Master's or PhD can lead to a higher starting salary and faster career progression, thus higher earnings. However, for some roles, direct experience and skills might be valued as much or more than an advanced degree. The impact varies by field and specific job requirements.

5. How does the cost of living near Lansing affect the perceived value of a State Appellate Defender Office salary?

Lansing's Cost of Living Index is approximately 83.1 (16.9% less expensive than US average; 8.0% less than MI average). This significantly impacts the purchasing power of a salary from State Appellate Defender Office based there. Our "Cost of Living Insights for Lansing" module details this impact, helping you assess the 'real feel' value of your compensation.

6. What kind of benefits does State Appellate Defender Office typically offer employees?

State Appellate Defender Office generally offers a range of employee benefits designed to support their workforce's health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), a 401(k) retirement savings plan (often with a company match), paid time off (PTO), and potentially disability and life insurance are included. For a more detailed list of benefits, please see our "Employee Benefits at State Appellate Defender Office" section on this page.