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Public Defender Salary in Crested Butte, CO

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

Median Salary
$178,886
per year in Crested Butte
Entry Level
$113,440
Starting salary
Senior Level
$250,877
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
140
40% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$113,440$178,886$250,877
Monthly$9,453$14,907$20,906
Biweekly$4,363$6,880$9,649
Weekly$2,182$3,440$4,825
Hourly$55$86$121

Crested Butte vs National Average

How Crested Butte's public defender salaries compare to national figures.

Crested Butte Salary
$178,886
COL Index: 140
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$53,616
Higher in Crested Butte

Cost of Living in Crested Butte

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,900
per month
Median Income
$48,234
per year
Population
1,830
residents
Rent % of Income
47.3%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 140 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Crested Butte 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
+14%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+15%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
-7%
Houston, TX
$139,460
-22%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
-24%

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Public Defender Salary in Crested Butte, CO — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in Crested Butte, CO is $178,886 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 140. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Crested Butte's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in Crested Butte can expect to earn around $113,440 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $250,877 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Crested Butte's cost of living index of 140 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Crested Butte 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 Crested Butte typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,900 per month, housing represents about 12.7% 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 Crested Butte, 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.