Public Defender Salary in Brookings, SD
How much does a public defender make in Brookings? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Brookings's cost of living.
Salary Breakdown by Experience Level
See how public defender salaries break down across different pay periods in Brookings.
| Period | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $57,324 | $90,395 | $126,774 |
| Monthly | $4,777 | $7,533 | $10,565 |
| Biweekly | $2,205 | $3,477 | $4,876 |
| Weekly | $1,102 | $1,738 | $2,438 |
| Hourly | $28 | $43 | $61 |
Brookings vs National Average
How Brookings's public defender salaries compare to national figures.
Cost of Living in Brookings
About Public Defender
Overview
Defend individuals accused of crimes who cannot afford private attorneys.
Education
Juris Doctor (JD) and Bar license required
Key Skills
Growth Rate
Expected job growth: +13% over the next decade
Compare Cities: Public Defender Salary
See Public Defender salaries in other top cities.
Explore Related Data for Brookings & SD
Dig deeper into the numbers behind a public defender salary in Brookings — cost of living, take-home pay, affordability, taxes, and retirement projections all in one place.
Cost of living in Brookings
Full breakdown of expenses, rent, and local purchasing power.
Take-home pay on $90,000 in SD
Federal tax, state tax, Social Security, and Medicare breakdown.
What you can afford on $90,000 in SD
Home price, rent, and monthly spending guidelines for this income.
Tax brackets on $90,000 in SD
See exactly which brackets your income falls into.
Public Defender salary across all of SD
State-level salary data beyond just Brookings.
$350,000 mortgage in SD
Monthly payment, property tax, and total interest for a typical home at this income.
Retirement at 30 earning $90,000
Projections, savings benchmarks, and how to stay on track.
Financial Tools to Explore
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Cost of Living Calculator
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Budget Calculator
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Rent vs Buy Calculator
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Public Defender Salary in Brookings, SD — Complete Guide
Median Salary Overview
The median salary for a public defender in Brookings, SD is $90,395 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 88. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Brookings's unique economic conditions.
Salary Range and Experience Levels
Entry-level public defender professionals in Brookings can expect to earn around $57,324 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $126,774 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.
Cost of Living Adjustment
Brookings's cost of living index of 88 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Brookings 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 Brookings typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $780 per month, housing represents about 10.4% 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 Brookings, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.