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Public Defender Salary in Gilbert, AZ

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

Median Salary
$135,600
per year in Gilbert
Entry Level
$85,991
Starting salary
Senior Level
$190,171
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
109
9% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$85,991$135,600$190,171
Monthly$7,166$11,300$15,848
Biweekly$3,307$5,215$7,314
Weekly$1,654$2,608$3,657
Hourly$41$65$91

Gilbert vs National Average

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

Gilbert Salary
$135,600
COL Index: 109
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$10,330
Higher in Gilbert

Cost of Living in Gilbert

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,550
per month
Median Income
$71,456
per year
Population
267,918
residents
Rent % of Income
26.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 109 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Gilbert 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
+50%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+52%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
+22%
Houston, TX
$139,460
+3%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
0%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Public Defender Salary in Gilbert, AZ — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in Gilbert, AZ is $135,600 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 109. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Gilbert's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in Gilbert can expect to earn around $85,991 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $190,171 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Gilbert's cost of living index of 109 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Gilbert 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 Gilbert typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,550 per month, housing represents about 13.7% 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 Gilbert, 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.