Public Defender Salary in 2026
Represent defendants who cannot afford private attorneys in criminal court proceedings.
Median Salary
$68,000
$5,667/mo
Entry Level
$52,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$92,000
experienced
Job Growth
+3%
10-yr outlook
Public Defender Overview
Represent defendants who cannot afford private attorneys in criminal court proceedings.
Education
J.D.
Experience
0-3 years
Industry
Law
Total Jobs (US)
15K
5-Year Growth
+3%
Category
Law
Hourly Rate
$32.69/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,667
Public Defender Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Public Defender salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Public Defender Salary
$78,000
$6,500/month · $3,000/biweekly · $37.50/hr
Public Defender Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Public Defender field.
Entry-level Public Defenders earn around $52,000, while the top 10% earn $103,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Public Defenders
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $80,000 | +$12,000 |
| New York | $78,000 | +$10,000 |
| Illinois | $71,000 | +$3,000 |
| Texas | $67,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $67,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Public Defenders
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $80,000 | +$12,000 |
| Los Angeles | $76,000 | +$8,000 |
| Chicago | $71,000 | +$3,000 |
| Miami | $69,000 | +$1,000 |
| Houston | $67,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Public Defender Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Public Defender from entry level to expert.
$52,000
0-2 years
$72,000
3-7 years
$92,000
8-14 years
$115,000
15+ years
Public Defender Salary FAQ
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