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Public Defender Salary in Las Vegas, NV

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

Median Salary
$132,586
per year in Las Vegas
Entry Level
$84,079
Starting salary
Senior Level
$185,944
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
108
8% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$84,079$132,586$185,944
Monthly$7,007$11,049$15,495
Biweekly$3,234$5,099$7,152
Weekly$1,617$2,550$3,576
Hourly$40$64$89

Las Vegas vs National Average

How Las Vegas's public defender salaries compare to national figures.

Las Vegas Salary
$132,586
COL Index: 108
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$7,316
Higher in Las Vegas

Cost of Living in Las Vegas

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,500
per month
Median Income
$59,234
per year
Population
623,747
residents
Rent % of Income
30.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 108 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Las Vegas 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
+53%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+55%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
+25%
Houston, TX
$139,460
+5%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
+2%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a public defender salary in Las Vegas.

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Public Defender Salary in Las Vegas, NV — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in Las Vegas, NV is $132,586 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 108. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Las Vegas's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in Las Vegas can expect to earn around $84,079 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $185,944 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Las Vegas's cost of living index of 108 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,500 per month, housing represents about 13.6% 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 Las Vegas, 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.