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Public Defender Salary in Frankfort, KY

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

Median Salary
$87,338
per year in Frankfort
Entry Level
$55,386
Starting salary
Senior Level
$122,487
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
84
16% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$55,386$87,338$122,487
Monthly$4,616$7,278$10,207
Biweekly$2,130$3,359$4,711
Weekly$1,065$1,680$2,356
Hourly$27$42$59

Frankfort vs National Average

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

Frankfort Salary
$87,338
COL Index: 84
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$37,932
Lower in Frankfort

Cost of Living in Frankfort

1-Bedroom Rent
$740
per month
Median Income
$46,234
per year
Population
28,530
residents
Rent % of Income
19.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 84 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Frankfort 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
+133%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+136%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
+90%
Houston, TX
$139,460
+60%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
+55%

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Public Defender Salary in Frankfort, KY — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in Frankfort, KY is $87,338 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 84. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Frankfort's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in Frankfort can expect to earn around $55,386 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $122,487 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Frankfort's cost of living index of 84 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Frankfort 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 Frankfort typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $740 per month, housing represents about 10.2% 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 Frankfort, 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.