Home / City Job Salaries / Public Defender in Atlantic City

Public Defender Salary in Atlantic City, NJ

How much does a public defender make in Atlantic City? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Atlantic City's cost of living.

Median Salary
$157,840
per year in Atlantic City
Entry Level
$100,094
Starting salary
Senior Level
$221,362
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
105
5% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how public defender salaries break down across different pay periods in Atlantic City.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$100,094$157,840$221,362
Monthly$8,341$13,153$18,447
Biweekly$3,850$6,071$8,514
Weekly$1,925$3,035$4,257
Hourly$48$76$106

Atlantic City vs National Average

How Atlantic City's public defender salaries compare to national figures.

Atlantic City Salary
$157,840
COL Index: 105
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$32,570
Higher in Atlantic City

Cost of Living in Atlantic City

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,200
per month
Median Income
$30,580
per year
Population
38,497
residents
Rent % of Income
47.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 105 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Atlantic City have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Public Defender

Overview

Defend individuals accused of crimes who cannot afford private attorneys.

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) and Bar license required

Key Skills

Criminal DefenseTrial ExperienceLegal ResearchClient Advocacy

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +13% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Public Defender Salary

See Public Defender salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$203,450
+29%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+30%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
+5%
Houston, TX
$139,460
-12%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
-14%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a public defender salary in Atlantic City.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Atlantic City.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Atlantic City.

Public Defender Salary in Atlantic City, NJ — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in Atlantic City, NJ is $157,840 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 105. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Atlantic City's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in Atlantic City can expect to earn around $100,094 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $221,362 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Atlantic City's cost of living index of 105 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Atlantic City are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $125,270, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a public defender's salary in Atlantic City typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,200 per month, housing represents about 9.1% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Public Defenders are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 13% over the next decade. In Atlantic City, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.