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Public Defender Salary in Dearborn, MI

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

Median Salary
$128,060
per year in Dearborn
Entry Level
$81,209
Starting salary
Senior Level
$179,597
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
92
8% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$81,209$128,060$179,597
Monthly$6,767$10,672$14,966
Biweekly$3,123$4,925$6,908
Weekly$1,562$2,463$3,454
Hourly$39$62$86

Dearborn vs National Average

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

Dearborn Salary
$128,060
COL Index: 92
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$2,790
Higher in Dearborn

Cost of Living in Dearborn

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,000
per month
Median Income
$52,340
per year
Population
109,976
residents
Rent % of Income
22.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 92 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Dearborn 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
+59%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+61%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
+30%
Houston, TX
$139,460
+9%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
+6%

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Public Defender Salary in Dearborn, MI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in Dearborn, MI is $128,060 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 92. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Dearborn's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in Dearborn can expect to earn around $81,209 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $179,597 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Dearborn's cost of living index of 92 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Dearborn 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 Dearborn typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,000 per month, housing represents about 9.4% 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 Dearborn, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. 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.