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Public Defender Salary in Frederick, MD

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

Median Salary
$165,557
per year in Frederick
Entry Level
$104,988
Starting salary
Senior Level
$232,184
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
118
18% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$104,988$165,557$232,184
Monthly$8,749$13,796$19,349
Biweekly$4,038$6,368$8,930
Weekly$2,019$3,184$4,465
Hourly$50$80$112

Frederick vs National Average

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

Frederick Salary
$165,557
COL Index: 118
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$40,287
Higher in Frederick

Cost of Living in Frederick

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,500
per month
Median Income
$72,340
per year
Population
78,171
residents
Rent % of Income
24.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 118 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Frederick 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
+23%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+24%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
+0%
Houston, TX
$139,460
-16%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
-18%

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Public Defender Salary in Frederick, MD — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in Frederick, MD is $165,557 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 118. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Frederick's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in Frederick can expect to earn around $104,988 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $232,184 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Frederick's cost of living index of 118 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Frederick 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 Frederick typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,500 per month, housing represents about 10.9% 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 Frederick, 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.