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Public Defender Salary in Bangor, ME

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

Median Salary
$105,828
per year in Bangor
Entry Level
$67,111
Starting salary
Senior Level
$148,418
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
96
4% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$67,111$105,828$148,418
Monthly$5,593$8,819$12,368
Biweekly$2,581$4,070$5,708
Weekly$1,291$2,035$2,854
Hourly$32$51$71

Bangor vs National Average

How Bangor's public defender salaries compare to national figures.

Bangor Salary
$105,828
COL Index: 96
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$19,442
Lower in Bangor

Cost of Living in Bangor

1-Bedroom Rent
$980
per month
Median Income
$40,823
per year
Population
32,938
residents
Rent % of Income
28.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 96 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Bangor 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
+92%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+95%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
+57%
Houston, TX
$139,460
+32%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
+28%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Public Defender Salary in Bangor, ME — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in Bangor, ME is $105,828 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 96. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Bangor's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in Bangor can expect to earn around $67,111 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $148,418 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Bangor's cost of living index of 96 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Bangor 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 Bangor typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $980 per month, housing represents about 11.1% 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 Bangor, 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.