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Public Defender Salary in Janesville, WI

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

Median Salary
$96,959
per year in Janesville
Entry Level
$61,487
Starting salary
Senior Level
$135,979
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
86
14% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$61,487$96,959$135,979
Monthly$5,124$8,080$11,332
Biweekly$2,365$3,729$5,230
Weekly$1,182$1,865$2,615
Hourly$30$47$65

Janesville vs National Average

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

Janesville Salary
$96,959
COL Index: 86
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$28,311
Lower in Janesville

Cost of Living in Janesville

1-Bedroom Rent
$850
per month
Median Income
$52,340
per year
Population
65,615
residents
Rent % of Income
19.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 86 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Janesville 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
+110%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+112%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
+71%
Houston, TX
$139,460
+44%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
+40%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Public Defender Salary in Janesville, WI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in Janesville, WI is $96,959 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 86. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Janesville's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in Janesville can expect to earn around $61,487 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $135,979 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Janesville's cost of living index of 86 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Janesville 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 Janesville typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $850 per month, housing represents about 10.5% 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 Janesville, 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.