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Public Defender Salary in Bend, OR

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

Median Salary
$172,873
per year in Bend
Entry Level
$109,627
Starting salary
Senior Level
$242,444
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
138
38% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$109,627$172,873$242,444
Monthly$9,136$14,406$20,204
Biweekly$4,216$6,649$9,325
Weekly$2,108$3,324$4,662
Hourly$53$83$117

Bend vs National Average

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

Bend Salary
$172,873
COL Index: 138
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$47,603
Higher in Bend

Cost of Living in Bend

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,650
per month
Median Income
$68,450
per year
Population
102,059
residents
Rent % of Income
28.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 138 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Bend 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
+18%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+19%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
-4%
Houston, TX
$139,460
-19%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
-22%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Public Defender Salary in Bend, OR — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in Bend, OR is $172,873 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 138. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Bend's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in Bend can expect to earn around $109,627 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $242,444 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Bend's cost of living index of 138 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Bend 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 Bend typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,650 per month, housing represents about 11.5% 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 Bend, 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.