Home / City Job Salaries / Public Defender in Tualatin

Public Defender Salary in Tualatin, OR

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

Median Salary
$150,324
per year in Tualatin
Entry Level
$95,328
Starting salary
Senior Level
$210,821
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
120
20% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$95,328$150,324$210,821
Monthly$7,944$12,527$17,568
Biweekly$3,666$5,782$8,109
Weekly$1,833$2,891$4,054
Hourly$46$72$101

Tualatin vs National Average

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

Tualatin Salary
$150,324
COL Index: 120
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$25,054
Higher in Tualatin

Cost of Living in Tualatin

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,450
per month
Median Income
$72,821
per year
Population
28,010
residents
Rent % of Income
23.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 120 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Tualatin 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
+35%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+37%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
+10%
Houston, TX
$139,460
-7%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
-10%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Tualatin.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Tualatin.

Public Defender Salary in Tualatin, OR — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in Tualatin, OR is $150,324 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 120. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Tualatin's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in Tualatin can expect to earn around $95,328 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $210,821 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Tualatin's cost of living index of 120 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Tualatin 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 Tualatin typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,450 per month, housing represents about 11.6% 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 Tualatin, 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.