Defender Salary

How much does the Defender Pay for employees?

As of July 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Defender in the United States is $82,179. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $40. Salaries at Defender typically range from $71,860 to $94,027 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company. Defender’s salaries are influenced by a wide range of factors including job role, department, years of experience, and location.
DISCLAIMER: The salary range presented here is an estimation that has been derived from our proprietary algorithm. It should be noted that this range does not originate from the company's factual payroll records or survey data.

How Much Does Defender Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Defender. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for popular roles within the company, helping you benchmark potential earnings. Use 'View by Card/Table' option to find the data most relevant to your career path.
DISCLAIMER: The salary range presented here is an estimation that has been derived from our proprietary algorithm. It should be noted that this range does not originate from the company's factual payroll records or survey data.
How accurate does the salary look to you?

Current Job Openings at Defender

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at Defender. Use the search tool below to find available positions by title and location and apply directly to start your career.

Is Defender’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Defender’s compensation stack up against the market? This analysis visualizes their annual average salary compared to its industry benchmark and key peer companies.
Peer Company & Industry Benchmarking
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Average Salary ($/year)
Defender
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Boys and Girls Club of Transylvania County Inc
Genealogical Society of Monroe County
Industry Comparison
Our data shows that, on average, compensation at Defender is below the average for the U.S. Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry by approximately 29%. This positioning suggests their pay is below the market average within their sector.
Peer Company Comparison
To provide a broader market perspective, we compared Defender average annual salary with several similar companies. Defender average salary of $82,179 is higher than Boys and Girls Club of Transylvania County Inc, which has an average salary of $78,287. It is higher than Genealogical Society of Monroe County, with their average salary at $81,420. This places Defender in a competitive position among its peers.
See Your True Competitors
The companies behind the question marks could be hiring your best people. Don't operate with incomplete data. Unlock your full competitive view with Salary.com for Business to precisely benchmark salaries, benefits, and more against your true competitors.

Employee Reviews: Working at Defender

Considering a career at Defender? 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.
Staff feel appreciated and respected. Staff turnover is low, which helps maintain continuity, but also limits opportunities for growth. Outstanding commitment to public service and community outcomes. Employee contributions are recognized, and work-life balance is encouraged. The team is generally professional, but response times vary.
Passionate about their work and incredibly well-organized. Simplified complex legislation into actionable steps. The culture encourages collaboration and inclusivity. Leadership varies depending on the manager. The environment encourages open communication, collaboration, and innovation, allowing everyone to contribute meaningfully. Projects are well-organized, and feedback is constructive and app...
Strong commitment to employee development through continuous training programs. While the pace is steady, it allows time to focus on quality work. Practical tools provided. Work is structured and calm.

Defender Overview

Website
www.kcod.org
Founded In
1949
Employees
<25 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
146 Monroe Center St NW Grand Rapids Michigan MI 49503
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
+1 6167748181
Social Media
About Defender
The Kent County Office of the Defender is a private non-profit organization that is committed to excellence in the representation of indigent citizens charged with felonies. We have an experienced staff of twelve (12) attorneys whose sole function is to represent those defendants assigned to this office by the court. Our personnel policy prohibits the attorneys from doing any legal work outside of

What Benefits Does Defender Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Defender 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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How Much Should You Be Earning?

Get an estimated calculation of how much you should be earning and insight into your career options.

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What Is the Cost of Living Near Grand Rapids?

Understanding the cost of living near Grand Rapids is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Defender.
Grand Rapids' Cost of Living Index is approximately 89.5 (10.5% less expensive than US average; 2.0% less than MI average). Western MI city, growing, affordable housing. The Rapid bus. When planning your budget based on a salary from Defender, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,000 - $1,500+ A significant portion of Defender salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $140 - $230 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $40 (The Rapid monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $380 - $560 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $330 - $630+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $360 - $660+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,210 - $3,580+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Defender

1. What is the estimated average total compensation at Defender?

Salary.com estimates that the average total compensation package at Defender, which can include base salary, potential bonuses, and benefits, is around $82,179 annually . Total compensation provides a more holistic view of an employee's earnings.

2. How much does Defender pay compared to Boys and Girls Club of Transylvania County Inc?

The average annual salary at Defender is $82,179, or an hourly wage of $40, in comparison to Boys and Girls Club of Transylvania County Inc which pays $78,287 per year or $38 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Defender?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Defender 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. What's the typical salary progression for an employee moving from an entry-level to a senior role at Defender?

Salary progression from an entry-level to a senior role at Defender can be significant, often involving several promotions and substantial pay increases. For example, an entry-level Analyst might see their salary potentially double or more as they progress to a Senior Manager or Director position over several years, assuming strong performance and development.

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

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

6. Are promotions at Defender usually accompanied by a significant salary increase?

Yes, promotions at Defender are generally accompanied by a salary increase. The amount of the increase typically reflects the greater responsibilities, skills, and scope of the new role. The percentage increase can vary widely depending on the level of promotion and the company's compensation structure.