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Public Defender Salary in Oswego, IL

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

Median Salary
$128,903
per year in Oswego
Entry Level
$81,744
Starting salary
Senior Level
$180,779
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
98
2% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$81,744$128,903$180,779
Monthly$6,812$10,742$15,065
Biweekly$3,144$4,958$6,953
Weekly$1,572$2,479$3,477
Hourly$39$62$87

Oswego vs National Average

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

Oswego Salary
$128,903
COL Index: 98
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$3,633
Higher in Oswego

Cost of Living in Oswego

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,050
per month
Median Income
$92,821
per year
Population
39,610
residents
Rent % of Income
13.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 98 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Oswego 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
+58%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+60%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
+29%
Houston, TX
$139,460
+8%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
+5%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Public Defender Salary in Oswego, IL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in Oswego, IL is $128,903 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 98. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Oswego's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in Oswego can expect to earn around $81,744 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $180,779 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Oswego's cost of living index of 98 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Oswego 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 Oswego typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,050 per month, housing represents about 9.8% 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 Oswego, 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.