Public Defender Salary in California
Explore public defender salaries in California including median pay, entry-level and senior compensation, and how it compares to the national average.
Median Salary in CA
$160,346
Monthly: $13,362
Biweekly: $6,167
Entry Level
$101,683
Monthly: $8,474
Biweekly: $3,911
Senior Level
$224,876
Monthly: $18,740
Biweekly: $8,649
Job Growth
13%
Projected 10-year growth
Salary Breakdown
| Pay Period | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $101,683 | $160,346 | $224,876 |
| Monthly | $8,474 | $13,362 | $18,740 |
| Biweekly | $3,911 | $6,167 | $8,649 |
| Weekly | $1,955 | $3,084 | $4,325 |
| Hourly | $49 | $77 | $108 |
CA vs National Comparison
National Median
$125,270
CA Median
$160,346
Difference
+$35,076
Multiplier
1.28x
About This Career
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
Compare Jobs
Compare salaries for other legal jobs in California: