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Public Defender Salary in Hartford, CT

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

Median Salary
$155,470
per year in Hartford
Entry Level
$98,591
Starting salary
Senior Level
$218,038
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
113
13% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$98,591$155,470$218,038
Monthly$8,216$12,956$18,170
Biweekly$3,792$5,980$8,386
Weekly$1,896$2,990$4,193
Hourly$47$75$105

Hartford vs National Average

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

Hartford Salary
$155,470
COL Index: 113
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$30,200
Higher in Hartford

Cost of Living in Hartford

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,350
per month
Median Income
$40,182
per year
Population
121,054
residents
Rent % of Income
40.3%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 113 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Hartford 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
+31%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+32%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
+7%
Houston, TX
$139,460
-10%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
-13%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Public Defender Salary in Hartford, CT — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in Hartford, CT is $155,470 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 113. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Hartford's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in Hartford can expect to earn around $98,591 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $218,038 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Hartford's cost of living index of 113 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Hartford 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 Hartford typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,350 per month, housing represents about 10.4% 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 Hartford, 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.