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County Public Defender Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hendricks County Government

Public Defender

Danville, IN · On-site

$84K - $99K/yr

Hendricks County Title: Public Defender FLSA Status: Exempt Department: Public Defender Supervisor: Chief Public Defender PURPOSE OF POSITION: Prepares and presents legal defense of indigent persons ...

Hendricks County Government

Public Defender

Danville, IN · On-site

$84K - $99K/yr

Hendricks County Title: Public Defender FLSA Status: Exempt Department: Public Defender Supervisor: Chief Public Defender PURPOSE OF POSITION: Prepares and presents legal defense of indigent persons ...

Champaign County

Assistant Public Defender

Urbana, IL · On-site

$54K - $94K/yr

Assistant Public Defender (Full-Time, Exempt) Department: Public Defender's Office Reports To ... Salary Range: $54,990 - $94,633 depending on qualifications. * The County offers a competitive ...

County of Alameda

Assistant Public Defender

Oakland, CA · On-site

$127.07 - $167.39/hr

Alameda County Public Defenders THE POSITION Assistant Public Defender is the unrestricted ... Salary Ordinance for more information. Conclusion All notices related to County recruitments for ...

Washoe County

DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER

Reno, NV

$112K - $241K/yr

The Public Defender's Office offers a comprehensive training program and a supportive team ... The salary range starts at $112,694. Washoe County provides employer-paid contributions to PERS ...

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County Public Defender Salary information

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$107.5K

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How much do county public defender salary jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for county public defender salary in the United States is $107,533.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $134,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the average salary of a county public defender?

The average salary of a county public defender varies depending on location, experience, and the size of the county. Generally, entry-level public defenders in the United States can expect to earn between $50,000 and $65,000 per year, while more experienced public defenders or those working in larger counties may earn salaries ranging from $70,000 to $110,000 or more. Salaries may also be influenced by cost of living, local government budgets, and union agreements.

What are some common challenges faced by county public defenders in handling their caseloads?

County Public Defenders often manage a high volume of cases, which can make it challenging to provide each client with individualized attention. Balancing court appearances, client meetings, and investigative work within tight deadlines requires strong organizational and time management skills. Additionally, public defenders may sometimes encounter limited resources and must advocate effectively for their clients despite these constraints. These challenges foster resilience and adaptability, and they also provide valuable courtroom experience early in one's legal career.

What is the difference between County Public Defender Salary vs Public Defender Investigator?

AspectCounty Public Defender SalaryPublic Defender Investigator
Required CredentialsLaw degree, Bar admissionHigh school diploma or equivalent, some law enforcement or investigative experience
Work EnvironmentCourts, legal offices, courtroom settingsInvestigative settings, law enforcement agencies, courtrooms
Employer & Industry UsageLegal defense, public sector, governmentLegal support, law enforcement, public defender offices

While both roles serve the public defender system, County Public Defender Salary pertains to attorneys providing legal defense, whereas Public Defender Investigators focus on gathering evidence and supporting attorneys. Salary differences reflect their distinct responsibilities and required credentials within the public defense sector.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a county public defender, and why are they important?

To thrive as a County Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission in the relevant state, and strong knowledge of criminal law and courtroom procedures. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and e-filing platforms is typically required. Exceptional communication, analytical thinking, and resilience under pressure set standout public defenders apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring effective legal representation and safeguarding clients' rights within the justice system.
What cities are hiring for County Public Defender Salary jobs? Cities with the most County Public Defender Salary job openings:
What states have the most County Public Defender Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for County Public Defender Salary jobs include:
What job categories do people searching County Public Defender Salary jobs look for? The top searched job categories for County Public Defender Salary jobs are:
County Public Defender Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various County Public Defender Salary job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,533 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Deputy Public Defender

St. Joseph County, IN

South Bend, IN • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

POSITION: Deputy Public Defender

DEPARTMENT: St. Joseph County Public Defenders

WORK SCHEDULE: Varies

JOB CATEGORY: Deputy Public Defender

SALARY: $44,407.00 yearly

STATUS: Part-time/Full Benefits

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

DATES: 12/18/25 until filled

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. St. Joseph County provides reasonable accommodations to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities who require accommodation to complete the application process or perform essential functions of the job unless those accommodations would present an undue hardship.

Benefits

Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans

Paid Time Off (PTO) with generous accruals

Employer Paid Life Insurance coverage

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD/LTD)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care

Gym Membership Discounts to encourage wellness

Employer-Funded PERF (Public Employees' Retirement Fund)

Access to additional voluntary benefits and resources

Responsibilities

Description: This position is part-time, non-exempt, and is covered under the Saint Joseph County Employee Policy Manual. Applicant must have experience level pursuant to State Public Defender guidelines.

Requires frequent visitations with clients who may be incarcerated at the St. Joseph County Jail.

Qualifications

Licensed Indiana Attorney in Good Standing with the Indiana Supreme Court. Public Defender qualifications available at the Public Defender Office.

Background Check: Must pass a criminal background investigation.

Apply