Discover how much a public defender makes, exploring their salary, job demands, and financial realities in this detailed breakdown.
So, how much is a public defender paid? This was the first question that I asked myself in the last year of law school. I’d just returned from my public interest law internship and was considering a career in public defense. But let’s get real — passion doesn’t pay the rent, and student loans don’t vanish because you’re doing good work. I had to know if it was a financially feasible career path.
If you are asking the same question, know that I’ve been in your shoes, too. In this article, we’ll go through what public defenders earn, how it differs by state, experience, and type, and if this profession can provide a good life.
Table of Contents
What Does a Public Defender Do?
Let’s do a quick rundown of what public defenders actually do — trust me, it is not a stroll in the park.
Court-appointed lawyers, also called public defenders, serve criminal defendants who are not able to pay for private representation. They are employees of county, state, or federal public defense agencies. They have heavy caseloads, wary clients, and constantly stretched budgets.
But — and it’s a big “but” — the work is also so rewarding. You’re quite literally the last line of defense for many individuals who might otherwise get flattened by the system.
What Is the Salary of a U.S. Public Defender?
The average U.S. public defender’s salary, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and data compiled by Glassdoor and Payscale, is $65,000 to $72,000 annually. But the figure varies according to where you work and how many years you have in the job.
Brief Overview:
In a number of cities (high-cost-of-living cities in particular), salaries can come close to $130,000, but that is more the exception, not the rule.
What Is the Salary of a California State Public Defender?
So, you’re asking: What’s the salary of a public defender in California?
California, true to its reputation, comes with a higher price tag—both in terms of lifestyle and the cost of living.
In cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Santa Clara, top public defenders can earn more than $150,000 a year. But best of luck in finding a one-bedroom apartment for less than $3,000/month.
Real talk:
When I met with the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office in 2020, they proposed $82,000 as a starting wage. Not terrible for a freshly barred lawyer — but I was pretty sure that in order to save something, I was going to need roommates and a side gig.
Salary by Experience Level
Let’s divide it into smaller parts. Here’s how to anticipate at various career levels:
| Experience Level | Typical Salary Range |
| Entry-Level (0–3 yrs) | $45,000 – $70,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–7 yrs) | $65,000 – $90,000 |
| Senior (7+ yrs) | $90,000 – $130,000+ |
| Chief / Supervisor | $120,000 – $160,000+ |
Remember, the majority of public defenders receive step raises every year, and some divisions provide bonuses to bilingual lawyers or those who work in the specialty courts (such as juvenile or mental health).
State-by-State Salary Comparison
Here’s a comparison of how salaries of public defenders differ in a couple of different states:
| State | Average Salary |
| California | $90,000 – $150,000 |
| Texas | $60,000 – $95,000 |
| New York | $70,000 – $125,000 |
| Florida | $50,000 – $75,000 |
| Illinois | $60,000 – $100,000 |
| Georgia | $50,000 – $80,000 |
| Washington | $70,000 – $110,000 |
| Massachusetts | $65,000 – $105,000 |
📝Note: These figures are approximate averages and will differ by city or county in a given state.
Federal vs. State Public Defender Salaries
Ah, the perennial question: federal or state?
Federal public defenders in the Federal Public Defender (FPD) offices usually earn substantially more compared to their counterparts in the states.
The trade-off is that these jobs are fewer, more competitive, and typically require pre-defense work experience. I applied to one in D.C. and did not even receive an interview — it’s that selective.
Aside from Salary: Benefits and Perks
Let’s not forget the non-monetary compensation, which can be a lifesaver — literally.
✅ Typical Benefits of Court-appointed Attorneys:
While working in the public sector, the PSLF was a big bonus. Being able to know that my student loans might get forgiven if I made qualifying payments for 10 years helped the smaller paychecks feel more manageable.
Is It Worth It? My Genuine Opinion
If your aspiration is to drive a Tesla, go on a yearly vacation in the Maldives, and own a house in San Francisco by the time you’re 30, public defense is perhaps not your thing.
But if you’re someone who is passionate about justice, who wants to be in a courtroom the day out of law school, and who gets satisfaction out of assisting people who have been given up on by society — then yes, it’s worth every penny you’re not getting.
I’ve seen clients cry after winning cases. I’ve watched judges respect my arguments. I’ve made lasting friendships with colleagues who get it. That’s priceless.
FAQs
1: What is the average compensation of a public defender in the United States?
Based on data supplied by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the National Association of Law Placement (NALP), the average salary of U.S. public defenders ranges from $60,000 to $75,000 annually, although it differs greatly depending on the region, one’s level of experience, and the funding of the public defender’s office. Novice defenders have starting salaries around $50,000, while senior defenders in high-expense areas reach salaries of more than $100,000.
2: What is the salary of a California public defender?
Public defenders in California receive above-average salaries in comparison to the cost of living in the state. By utilizing data from county pay reports and job advertisements:
These data are backed up by publicly available county human resources department salary scales.
3: Are federal public defenders more highly paid than state public defenders?
Indeed, federal public defenders are generally better paid than their state counterparts. Federal public defenders are remunerated under the Judiciary Salary Plan, and their salaries tend to mirror Assistant U.S. Attorney pay scales. Salaries generally start at $85,000 and rise to $170,000 or higher for experienced counsel and supervisors, depending on locality and length of service.
4: Can public defenders qualify for student loan debt forgiveness opportunities?
Yes, public defenders qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), a national program that cancels the outstanding balance of Direct Loans after 120 qualifying payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time at a government or not-for-profit employer. Most public defender’s offices satisfy the employment requirements of PSLF, which is a big plus for debt-strapped law school grads who become public defenders.
Closing Thoughts
So how much money do public defenders make? Enough to get by, but not enough to become wealthy. And the truth? That’s perfectly alright. What you’ll gain in meaning, courtroom acumen, and self-improvement will likely outweigh the money you’ll give up.
If you are undecided, this is what I would say: Do a public defense internship. Discuss the work of the attorneys in the field with them. Observe them. Ask tough questions.
That’s what I did — and although I’m not in public defense forever, you’ll never need to look back on starting there.
Additional Resources
If you’re seriously considering this path, here are some trusted resources to explore:
