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Public Defender Salary in Johnstown, PA

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

Median Salary
$88,065
per year in Johnstown
Entry Level
$55,846
Starting salary
Senior Level
$123,506
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
74
26% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$55,846$88,065$123,506
Monthly$4,654$7,339$10,292
Biweekly$2,148$3,387$4,750
Weekly$1,074$1,694$2,375
Hourly$27$42$59

Johnstown vs National Average

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

Johnstown Salary
$88,065
COL Index: 74
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$37,205
Lower in Johnstown

Cost of Living in Johnstown

1-Bedroom Rent
$560
per month
Median Income
$28,821
per year
Population
18,440
residents
Rent % of Income
23.3%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 74 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Johnstown 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
+131%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+134%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
+89%
Houston, TX
$139,460
+58%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
+54%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Public Defender Salary in Johnstown, PA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in Johnstown, PA is $88,065 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 74. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Johnstown's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in Johnstown can expect to earn around $55,846 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $123,506 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Johnstown's cost of living index of 74 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Johnstown 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 Johnstown typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $560 per month, housing represents about 7.6% 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 Johnstown, 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.