$53,000
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
The average salary for a Public Defender is $53,000 in 2025
Base Salary
$0 - $53k
Total Pay
$0 - $53k
Is Average Early-Career Public Defender Salary at Public Defender Services your job title? Find out what you should be paid
Use our tool to get a personalized report on your market worth.What's this?
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What Do Public Defenders Do?
Public Defender Tasks
- Represent clients in cases involving felony or misdemeanor charges, delinquent youth, mental health or disability issues, and abuse or neglect.
- Conduct research using law libraries or computer databases and develop strategic plans.
- Draft legal documents and advise clients on legal matters.
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Public Defender
Medical
100%
Dental
100%
Vision
50%
Gender Breakdown for Public Defenders
Female
100.0%
This data is based on 2 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Public Defenders
What is the highest pay for Public Defenders?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Public Defender is $NaN / year
What is the lowest pay for Public Defenders?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Public Defender is $NaN / year
How can Public Defenders increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Public Defender is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Public Defender that oversees more junior Public Defenders, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.