As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Deputy Public Defender in the United States is $98,717 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, a Deputy Public Defender's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Deputy Public Defender's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Deputy Public Defender's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Deputy Pu... Level Deputy Public Defender | $97,993 |
| Attorney ... Level Deputy Public Defender | $130,097 |
| Attorney ... Level Deputy Public Defender | $183,817 |
| Attorney ... Level Deputy Public Defender | $209,287 |
| Attorney ... Level Deputy Public Defender | $248,403 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Deputy Public Defenders. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 5.65% |
| Estate Planning | 2.37% |
| Employment Law | 1.49% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Legal Advice
|
$103,653 |
5%
|
|
Intellectual Property
|
$102,666 |
4%
|
|
Due Diligence
|
$101,678 |
3%
|
|
Negotiating
|
$101,678 |
3%
|
|
Analysis
|
$101,678 |
3%
|
|
Employment Law
|
$101,678 |
3%
|
For Deputy Public Defender roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Deputy Public Defender positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Deputy Public Defender as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $118,460 | $57.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $118,460 | $57.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $118,460 | $57.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $118,460 | $57.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $118,460 | $57.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Deputy Public Defenders enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Deputy Public Defender with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $101,138 and $109,909).
Deputy Public Defender Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 0.4% |
| Associates | 0.1% |
| Bachelors | 1.8% |
| Masters | 2.9% |
| Doctorate | 94.6% |
Understanding how a Deputy Public Defender's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Deputy Public Defender can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $110,850 in 2023 to around $106,962 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Deputy Public Defender salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $110,850 |
| 2024 | $110,426 |
| 2025 | $106,962 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Deputy Public Defender roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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