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Public Defender Salary in Bothell, WA

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

Median Salary
$185,199
per year in Bothell
Entry Level
$117,444
Starting salary
Senior Level
$259,731
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
132
32% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$117,444$185,199$259,731
Monthly$9,787$15,433$21,644
Biweekly$4,517$7,123$9,990
Weekly$2,259$3,562$4,995
Hourly$56$89$125

Bothell vs National Average

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

Bothell Salary
$185,199
COL Index: 132
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$59,929
Higher in Bothell

Cost of Living in Bothell

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,750
per month
Median Income
$102,234
per year
Population
51,120
residents
Rent % of Income
20.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 132 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Bothell 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
+10%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+11%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
-10%
Houston, TX
$139,460
-25%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
-27%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Public Defender Salary in Bothell, WA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in Bothell, WA is $185,199 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 132. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Bothell's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in Bothell can expect to earn around $117,444 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $259,731 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Bothell's cost of living index of 132 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Bothell 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 Bothell typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,750 per month, housing represents about 11.3% 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 Bothell, 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.