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Public Defender Salary in Belgrade, MT

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

Median Salary
$109,887
per year in Belgrade
Entry Level
$69,685
Starting salary
Senior Level
$154,110
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
102
2% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$69,685$109,887$154,110
Monthly$5,807$9,157$12,843
Biweekly$2,680$4,226$5,927
Weekly$1,340$2,113$2,964
Hourly$34$53$74

Belgrade vs National Average

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

Belgrade Salary
$109,887
COL Index: 102
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$15,383
Lower in Belgrade

Cost of Living in Belgrade

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,150
per month
Median Income
$58,234
per year
Population
12,860
residents
Rent % of Income
23.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 102 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Belgrade 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
+85%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+87%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
+51%
Houston, TX
$139,460
+27%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
+23%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Public Defender Salary in Belgrade, MT — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in Belgrade, MT is $109,887 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 102. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Belgrade's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in Belgrade can expect to earn around $69,685 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $154,110 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Belgrade's cost of living index of 102 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Belgrade 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 Belgrade typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,150 per month, housing represents about 12.6% 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 Belgrade, 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.