Chief Public Defender Salaries in the United States
How Much Does a Chief Public Defender Make?
Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025,
the average annual pay of Chief Public Defender in the United States is $73,891.
While Salary.com is seeing that Chief Public Defender salary in the US can go up to $112,971
or down to $61,842, but most earn between $67,584 and $94,347.
Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors,
including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels.
With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Related Job Titles to Chief Public Defender
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Similar Job Salaries to Chief Public Defender by Company
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| Company | average base salary in (usd) | range |
|---|---|---|
|
Jackson County
CHIEF PUBLIC DEFENDER/ADMINISTRATOR
|
$160,371/yr
|
RANGE: $143,190 - $177,552
|
|
Clark County
Assistant Chief Public Defender - Office of Public Defense
|
$161,172/yr
|
RANGE: $144,821 - $177,524
|
|
State of Maryland
Chief of Labor and Employment Assistant Public Defender, Supervisor
|
$171,985/yr
|
RANGE: $152,732 - $191,238
|
|
South Dakota State Government
Public Defender
|
$126,042/yr
|
RANGE: $113,189 - $138,895
|
|
Troup County Board of Commissioners
Public Defender
|
$121,244/yr
|
RANGE: $108,635 - $133,852
|
|
National Legal Aid & Defender Association
Public Defender
|
$144,240/yr
|
RANGE: $128,661 - $159,818
|
|
State of South Dakota
Public Defender
|
$125,474/yr
|
RANGE: $112,425 - $138,522
|
|
State of North Carolina
Assistant Public Defender
|
$131,797/yr
|
RANGE: $118,358 - $145,237
|
|
Bexar County
Assistant Public Defender I
|
$128,722/yr
|
RANGE: $115,336 - $142,108
|
What Does a Chief Public Defender Do?
In jurisdictions where the public defender is a government agency, public defenders are generally on the same or similar pay-scale to prosecutors.
Updated December 22, 2021
A good example of such an issue is when Louisiana public defenders were so underfunded, had such a large shortage, and had a huge excessive workload that the office was forced to put defendants in need of a public defender on a waiting list.
Updated December 20, 2021
Mayer Goldman, back in the heydays of the public defender program, questioned what should happen if the public defender represents a guilty defendant.
Updated December 19, 2021
Several countries, including the UK, Hungary and Singapore, and some states of Australia, provide people with public defenders.
Updated December 15, 2021
In the federal criminal court system and some states and counties, representation is through a publicly funded public defender office.
Updated December 14, 2021
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Explore JobArchitectFrequently Asked Questions About a Chief Public Defender Salaries
What is the average of a Chief Public Defender in the United States?
The Chief Public Defender salary range is from $67,584 to $94,347, and the average Chief Public Defender salary is $73,891/year in the United States.
The Chief Public Defender's salary will change in different locations.
Which location pays the highest Chief Public Defender salary in the United States?
The Chief Public Defender salary in San Jose, CA is $93,199
which is the highest in the US.
What kinds of reasons will influence the Chief Public Defender's salary?
Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary.
Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Chief Public Defender.
What is the growth rate of the Chief Public Defender's salary?
If you are thinking of becoming a Chief Public Defender or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Chief Public Defender.
Recent Salary Report
Below are the most recent Chief Public Defender salary reports. Employer name has been removed to protect anonymity.
$7,690
Monthly
A Chief Public Defender in New Haven, CT reported making $7,690 per month
New Haven, CT
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Public
$65,657
Yearly
A Chief Public Defender in Waterford, MI reported making $65,657 per year
Waterford, MI
200 - 6 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$35
Hourly
A Chief Public Defender in Waldorf, MD reported making $35 per hour
Waldorf, MD
3,000 - 7,6 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$46
Hourly
A Chief Public Defender in Schenectady, NY reported making $46 per hour
Schenectady, NY
7,6 - 15,000 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$97,453
Yearly
A Chief Public Defender in Conway, AR reported making $97,453 per year
Conway, AR
100 - 200 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$70,475
Yearly
A Chief Public Defender in Urbandale, IA reported making $70,475 per year
Urbandale, IA
6 - 1,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
