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Public Defender Salary in York, PA

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

Median Salary
$107,106
per year in York
Entry Level
$67,921
Starting salary
Senior Level
$150,210
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
90
10% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$67,921$107,106$150,210
Monthly$5,660$8,926$12,518
Biweekly$2,612$4,119$5,777
Weekly$1,306$2,060$2,889
Hourly$33$51$72

York vs National Average

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

York Salary
$107,106
COL Index: 90
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$18,164
Lower in York

Cost of Living in York

1-Bedroom Rent
$950
per month
Median Income
$36,840
per year
Population
44,619
residents
Rent % of Income
30.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 90 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in York 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
+90%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+92%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
+55%
Houston, TX
$139,460
+30%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
+27%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Public Defender Salary in York, PA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in York, PA is $107,106 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 90. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering York's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in York can expect to earn around $67,921 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $150,210 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

York's cost of living index of 90 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in York 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 York typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $950 per month, housing represents about 10.6% 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 York, 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.