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Public Defender Salary in Wenatchee, WA

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

Median Salary
$147,318
per year in Wenatchee
Entry Level
$93,421
Starting salary
Senior Level
$206,604
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
105
5% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$93,421$147,318$206,604
Monthly$7,785$12,277$17,217
Biweekly$3,593$5,666$7,946
Weekly$1,797$2,833$3,973
Hourly$45$71$99

Wenatchee vs National Average

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

Wenatchee Salary
$147,318
COL Index: 105
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$22,048
Higher in Wenatchee

Cost of Living in Wenatchee

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,150
per month
Median Income
$52,234
per year
Population
34,710
residents
Rent % of Income
26.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 105 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Wenatchee 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
+38%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+40%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
+13%
Houston, TX
$139,460
-5%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
-8%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Public Defender Salary in Wenatchee, WA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in Wenatchee, WA is $147,318 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 105. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Wenatchee's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in Wenatchee can expect to earn around $93,421 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $206,604 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Wenatchee's cost of living index of 105 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Wenatchee 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 Wenatchee typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,150 per month, housing represents about 9.4% 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 Wenatchee, 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.