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Public Defender Salary in Johnson City, TN

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

Median Salary
$105,415
per year in Johnson City
Entry Level
$66,849
Starting salary
Senior Level
$147,838
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
99
1% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$66,849$105,415$147,838
Monthly$5,571$8,785$12,320
Biweekly$2,571$4,054$5,686
Weekly$1,286$2,027$2,843
Hourly$32$51$71

Johnson City vs National Average

How Johnson City's public defender salaries compare to national figures.

Johnson City Salary
$105,415
COL Index: 99
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$19,855
Lower in Johnson City

Cost of Living in Johnson City

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,300
per month
Median Income
$51,234
per year
Population
71,148
residents
Rent % of Income
30.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 99 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Johnson City 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
+93%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+95%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
+58%
Houston, TX
$139,460
+32%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
+29%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Public Defender Salary in Johnson City, TN — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in Johnson City, TN is $105,415 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 99. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Johnson City's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in Johnson City can expect to earn around $66,849 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $147,838 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Johnson City's cost of living index of 99 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Johnson City 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 Johnson City typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 14.8% 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 Johnson City, 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.