Public Defender Salary

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How much does a Public Defender make? The average Public Defender salary is $102,947 as of March 26, 2024, but the salary range typically falls between $88,689 and $119,312. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target. 

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Salary range for an Public Defender
$88,689 to $119,312
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Job Openings for Public Defender
Public Defender
Kansas Federal Public Defenders - Kansas City , KS
May 28, 2024 (or until filled) The Federal Public Defender for the District of Kansas is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Diversity and dignity are central to our work. We hire without ...
ZipRecruiter ATS Jobs for ZipSearch/ZipAlerts - Today
Program Director - Operation Lone Star
Texas Rio Grande Public Defender - Cedar Creek , TX
Salary: $100,000+ Texas RioGrande Public Defender (TRGPD) seeks a Program Director for the management and administration of the Operation Lone Star team. This team represents clients charged under ...
ZipRecruiter ATS Jobs for ZipSearch/ZipAlerts - 9 days ago
Administrative Assistant
Federal Public Defender-Nebraska - Omaha , NE
FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT April 8, 2024 Location: Omaha, NE 222 South 15th Street, Suite 300N Salary: JS-9 to JS-11 Omaha, NE 68102 Closing Date: May 10, 2024 ...
ZipRecruiter ATS Jobs for ZipSearch/ZipAlerts - 10 days ago
Paralegal
Federal Public Defender-District of Nebraska - Omaha , NE
FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT PARALEGAL April 8, 2024 Location: Omaha, NE 222 South 15th Street, Suite 300N Salary: JS-11 to JS-14 Omaha, NE 68102 Closing Date
ZipRecruiter ATS Jobs for ZipSearch/ZipAlerts - 10 days ago
Human Resources Generalist
Metropolitan Public Defender Service Inc - Portland , OR
MPD was the first public defender organization under this system. MPD is the largest single provider of trial level public defense services in the state of Oregon, with offices in both Multnomah and ...
ZipRecruiter - 2 days ago
Experience Level Criminal Defense Attorney
Snohomish County Public Defender Association - Everett , WA
Snohomish County Public Defender Association is a private, non-profit law office that is passionate about our communities. We are seeking a full-time Attorney. Brave Advocacy, No Judgement, and ...
ZipRecruiter ATS Jobs for ZipSearch/ZipAlerts - 16 days ago

Public Defender Salary in Major Cities

This chart shows the salary comparison for Public Defender between major cities. San Francisco City consistently ranks #1 as of March 26, 2024. Click on the chart to see the detail salary data for Public Defender in each city.

Public Defender Salary by City

Click to see the salary for Public Defender in these major U.S. cities.
City Name Average Salary
San Francisco, CA $128,683
Washington, DC $114,579
Miami, FL $99,343
Chicago, IL $107,991
Boston, MA $115,403
New York, NY $120,242
Dallas, TX $101,608
If you'd like know Public Defender Salary in other cities, then please select a city in

Average Salary Range for Public Defender

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
88689
119312
102947

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
91549
127771
107774
What is the average salary for Public Defender in 2024?
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Public Defender in the United States. The base salary for Public Defender ranges from $88,689 to $119,312 with the average base salary of $102,947. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $91,549 to $127,771 with the average total cash compensation of $107,774.

View Average Salary for Public Defender as table

Average Salary Average Salary Range
Base Salary $102,947 $88,689 - $119,312
Bonus $4,828 $2,860 - $8,459
Total Pay $107,774 $91,549 - $127,771
* Base Salary represents gross income before taxes and deductions. It does not include additional pay such as benefits, bonuses, profit sharing or commissions.
* Total Pay combines base salary, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job.

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Salary.com Estimate Salary Tool provides free, accurate and real-time salary for thousands of careers. Please enter the following pay factors for Public Defender, to get a real-time salary target. If you want to get more detailed salary information, please view Professional Salary Report
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88689
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Comments about Public Defender

What's the difference between Assistant Public Defender and Public Defender?
According to our latest salary estimation on March 26, 2024. The average salary of Public Defender is $102,947, and the average salary of Assistant Public Defender is $102,947. The average salary of Assistant Public Defender is lower than Public Defender. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )
I am a Public Defender, which location’s salary is higher, Oxnard, CA or Hutchinson, KS?
Oxnard, CA typically sees higher pay than Hutchinson, KS for Public Defender. a Public Defender Salary in Oxnard, CA is $110,359 as of March 26, 2024; a Public Defender Salary in Hutchinson, KS is $95,123 as of March 26, 2024. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

Public Defender Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the salary of a Public Defender vary from city to city?
The cost of living is tied to salaries. If the expenses are higher in a particular city, then the wage level will be higher as well to afford the people can opportunity to live there. This is why you're always going to make more money in New York City for example, than in a small town. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )
What are the Pay Factors for Public Defender?
Salary ranges for a Public Defender can vary widely, depending on the city and several other pay factors, including (but not limited to) education level, certifications, additional skills, and work experience. Click here to view Eight Factors That Can Affect Your Pay ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )
How the Pay Factors Influence Your Pay?
Salaries are ultimately dictated by the position being applied to, and hiring company, but there are several important pay factors that come into play based on your individual history that could impact your value to the company. Salary.com's Personal Salary Report will analyze these factors for you to help you maximize your earning potential. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

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Last Update: March 26, 2024