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Public Defender Salary in Cottage Grove, OR

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

Median Salary
$122,765
per year in Cottage Grove
Entry Level
$77,851
Starting salary
Senior Level
$172,170
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
98
2% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$77,851$122,765$172,170
Monthly$6,488$10,230$14,348
Biweekly$2,994$4,722$6,622
Weekly$1,497$2,361$3,311
Hourly$37$59$83

Cottage Grove vs National Average

How Cottage Grove's public defender salaries compare to national figures.

Cottage Grove Salary
$122,765
COL Index: 98
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$2,505
Lower in Cottage Grove

Cost of Living in Cottage Grove

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,000
per month
Median Income
$40,234
per year
Population
10,640
residents
Rent % of Income
29.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 98 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Cottage Grove 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
+66%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+68%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
+35%
Houston, TX
$139,460
+14%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
+10%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Public Defender Salary in Cottage Grove, OR — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in Cottage Grove, OR is $122,765 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 98. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Cottage Grove's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in Cottage Grove can expect to earn around $77,851 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $172,170 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Cottage Grove's cost of living index of 98 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Cottage Grove 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 Cottage Grove typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,000 per month, housing represents about 9.8% 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 Cottage Grove, 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.