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Public Defender Salary in Wilson, NC

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

Median Salary
$88,190
per year in Wilson
Entry Level
$55,926
Starting salary
Senior Level
$123,682
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
80
20% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$55,926$88,190$123,682
Monthly$4,661$7,349$10,307
Biweekly$2,151$3,392$4,757
Weekly$1,076$1,696$2,379
Hourly$27$42$59

Wilson vs National Average

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

Wilson Salary
$88,190
COL Index: 80
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$37,080
Lower in Wilson

Cost of Living in Wilson

1-Bedroom Rent
$680
per month
Median Income
$36,821
per year
Population
49,628
residents
Rent % of Income
22.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 80 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Wilson 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
+131%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+133%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
+88%
Houston, TX
$139,460
+58%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
+54%

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Public Defender Salary in Wilson, NC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in Wilson, NC is $88,190 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 80. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Wilson's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in Wilson can expect to earn around $55,926 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $123,682 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Wilson's cost of living index of 80 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Wilson 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 Wilson typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $680 per month, housing represents about 9.3% 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 Wilson, 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.