Public Defender Salary in Denver, CO — 2026
Public Defender salary data for Denver, CO — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.
The median Public Defender salary in Denver, CO is $80,240 per year ($6,687/month, $39/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 118, which is 18% above the national average.
Public Defender Take-Home Pay in Denver
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $80,240 |
| Federal Tax | -$8,823 |
| State Tax (4.4%) | -$3,531 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$6,138 |
| Annual Take-Home | $61,748 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $5,146 |
Living Cost Comparison
Public Defender Requirements
Key Skills
Denver Job Market Overview
Denver, Colorado has a population of 715,522 and an unemployment rate of 3.0%. The top industries are Technology, Energy, Healthcare. The local job growth rate is 2.5%, and the average commute time is 27 minutes.
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Salary Percentile Breakdown — Public Defender in Denver
Based on the cost-of-living-adjusted distribution for Public Defender in Denver, CO, here's how earnings break down across the workforce:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Equivalent | Career Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th (lowest) | $61,360 | $30/hr | Entry-level, < 1 yr exp. |
| 25th | $70,800 | $34/hr | Junior, 1-3 yrs exp. |
| 50th (median) | $80,240 | $39/hr | Mid-career, 0-3 years |
| 75th | $108,560 | $52/hr | Senior, 5-10 yrs exp. |
| 90th (top) | $135,700 | $65/hr | Lead/Principal, 10+ yrs |
Percentiles estimated using a log-normal salary distribution model calibrated to Public Defender compensation data. Top earners (P90) typically include managers, specialists with rare skills, or those at high-paying employers in Denver's Technology sector.
5-Year Salary Trajectory
Public Defender salaries in Denver have grown approximately 3.0% over the past 5 years, outpacing local CPI inflation in many cases. Here's the historical and projected trajectory:
Year-over-year, an average Public Defender can expect a 15.3% annual increase moving from entry to senior level over 4 years in Denver. Negotiation, certifications (Bar Admission), and changing employers strategically can accelerate this trajectory.
Denver vs National Average
The national median Public Defender salary is $68,000. In Denver, the cost-of-living-adjusted median of $80,240 is 18.0% above the national figure. This reflects Denver's cost of living index of 118 (higher than the national average of 100).
For Public Defenders, this means: rent typically consumes 36.0% of take-home pay (households spending >30% are considered rent-burdened), and a median home in Denver costs about 8.9× annual take-home. Homeownership in Denver on this salary is challenging — most experts recommend keeping home costs to 3-4× income.
Industry Context: Technology in Denver
Denver's economy is anchored by Technology, Energy, Healthcare, with 715,522 residents and 3.0% unemployment as of 2026. Public Defenders working in the Technology sector typically earn at or above the local median due to industry-specific demand. The state's overall job growth rate is 2.5%, and Public Defender occupations specifically are projected to grow 3.0% nationally through 2034 (BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook).
Methodology & Data Sources
How we calculate Public Defender salaries in Denver, CO:
- Base salary model starts with Salario occupation data and public wage references, including BLS OEWS and O*NET when a direct or related occupational crosswalk is available. For niche titles, we do not treat a broader SOC family as an exact job-title wage.
- Cost-of-living adjustment applied using the Denver index of 118 relative to the national baseline of 100, with local rent, home price, unemployment, and tax inputs checked separately.
- Percentile distribution (P10-P90) estimated from the entry, median, senior, and top compensation tiers in the Salario salary model rather than claimed as exact employer payroll data.
- Take-home pay calculated using 2026 federal tax brackets (10%-37%), CO state income tax of 4.4%, and FICA (Social Security 6.2% + Medicare 1.45%).
- Tax brackets and standard deduction ($16,100 single filer for tax year 2026) sourced from IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 and updated annually.
Authoritative data sources:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — national and metro-area salary data
- O*NET OnLine — occupation tasks, alternate job titles, skills, and SOC crosswalks
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — occupation outlook where a matching profile is available
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation and cost-of-living data
- U.S. Census Bureau — Denver QuickFacts — population and demographic data
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
- BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics — Denver unemployment rate
Last reviewed: 2026. Salary data updated annually as new BLS releases become available. Public Defender salaries can vary significantly based on employer, sector (Technology vs others in Denver), specific skill set (Criminal Law, Trial Advocacy, Client Counseling), and individual negotiation. Always verify current compensation through multiple sources before making career decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Public Defender salary in Denver, CO?
How much does a Public Defender take home in Denver after taxes?
Is Denver a good city for Public Defenders?
What skills are needed for a Public Defender in Denver?
How does Public Defender salary in Denver compare to the national average?
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- Amortio: Home Affordability — what home you can buy on this income
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Public Defender salary in Denver, CO?
The median Public Defender salary in Denver, CO is $80,240 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 118. Entry-level Public Defenders earn around $61,360, while senior-level professionals can earn $108,560 or more.
How much does a Public Defender take home in Denver after taxes?
A Public Defender earning the median salary of $80,240 in Denver, CO takes home approximately $61,748 per year ($5,146/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 23.0%.
Is Denver a good city for Public Defenders?
Denver, CO has a cost of living index of 118 (above national average). Public Defenders here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.0% and top industries include Technology, Energy, Healthcare.
What skills are needed for a Public Defender in Denver?
Key skills for Public Defenders include Criminal Law, Trial Advocacy, Client Counseling, Legal Research, Plea Bargaining. Typical education requirement is J.D.. Valuable certifications include Bar Admission.
How does Public Defender salary in Denver compare to the national average?
The national median Public Defender salary is $68,000. In Denver, the adjusted salary is $80,240, which is 18.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.