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Public Defender Salary in Vienna, VA

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

Median Salary
$182,644
per year in Vienna
Entry Level
$115,824
Starting salary
Senior Level
$256,147
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
135
35% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$115,824$182,644$256,147
Monthly$9,652$15,220$21,346
Biweekly$4,455$7,025$9,852
Weekly$2,227$3,512$4,926
Hourly$56$88$123

Vienna vs National Average

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

Vienna Salary
$182,644
COL Index: 135
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$57,374
Higher in Vienna

Cost of Living in Vienna

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,800
per month
Median Income
$142,234
per year
Population
16,820
residents
Rent % of Income
15.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 135 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Vienna 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
+11%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+13%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
-9%
Houston, TX
$139,460
-24%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
-26%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Public Defender Salary in Vienna, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in Vienna, VA is $182,644 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 135. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Vienna's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in Vienna can expect to earn around $115,824 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $256,147 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Vienna's cost of living index of 135 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Vienna 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 Vienna typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,800 per month, housing represents about 11.8% 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 Vienna, 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.