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Public Defender Salary in Hopkinsville, KY

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

Median Salary
$81,100
per year in Hopkinsville
Entry Level
$51,429
Starting salary
Senior Level
$113,738
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
78
22% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$51,429$81,100$113,738
Monthly$4,286$6,758$9,478
Biweekly$1,978$3,119$4,375
Weekly$989$1,560$2,187
Hourly$25$39$55

Hopkinsville vs National Average

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

Hopkinsville Salary
$81,100
COL Index: 78
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$44,170
Lower in Hopkinsville

Cost of Living in Hopkinsville

1-Bedroom Rent
$640
per month
Median Income
$36,821
per year
Population
31,577
residents
Rent % of Income
20.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 78 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Hopkinsville 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
+151%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+154%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
+105%
Houston, TX
$139,460
+72%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
+67%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Public Defender Salary in Hopkinsville, KY — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in Hopkinsville, KY is $81,100 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 78. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Hopkinsville's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in Hopkinsville can expect to earn around $51,429 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $113,738 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Hopkinsville's cost of living index of 78 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Hopkinsville 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 Hopkinsville typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $640 per month, housing represents about 9.5% 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 Hopkinsville, 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.