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Public Defender Salary in Commerce City, CO

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

Median Salary
$135,442
per year in Commerce City
Entry Level
$85,891
Starting salary
Senior Level
$189,950
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
106
6% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$85,891$135,442$189,950
Monthly$7,158$11,287$15,829
Biweekly$3,304$5,209$7,306
Weekly$1,652$2,605$3,653
Hourly$41$65$91

Commerce City vs National Average

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

Commerce City Salary
$135,442
COL Index: 106
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$10,172
Higher in Commerce City

Cost of Living in Commerce City

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,250
per month
Median Income
$56,742
per year
Population
62,893
residents
Rent % of Income
26.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 106 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Commerce 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
+50%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+52%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
+23%
Houston, TX
$139,460
+3%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
+0%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Commerce City.

Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Public Defender Salary in Commerce City, CO — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in Commerce City, CO is $135,442 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 106. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Commerce City's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in Commerce City can expect to earn around $85,891 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $189,950 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Commerce City's cost of living index of 106 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Commerce 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 Commerce City typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,250 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 Commerce 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.