Public Defender Salary in Illinois
Explore public defender salaries in Illinois including median pay, entry-level and senior compensation, and how it compares to the national average.
Salary Breakdown
| Pay Period | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $83,412 | $131,534 | $184,468 |
| Monthly | $6,951 | $10,961 | $15,372 |
| Biweekly | $3,208 | $5,059 | $7,095 |
| Weekly | $1,604 | $2,530 | $3,547 |
| Hourly | $40 | $63 | $89 |
IL vs National Comparison
About This Career
Defend individuals accused of crimes who cannot afford private attorneys.
Education
Juris Doctor (JD) and Bar license required
Key Skills
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Explore Related Data for a Public Defender in Illinois
Dig into every angle of a public defender salary ($131,534 median) in Illinois — take-home pay, affordability, taxes, mortgage, retirement, and city-level data.
Take-home pay on $131,534 in Illinois
Federal, state, Social Security, and Medicare — what you keep after taxes.
What you can afford on $131,534 in Illinois
Home price, rent, and monthly spending guidelines for this income.
Tax brackets on $131,534 in Illinois
Exactly which federal and state brackets your salary crosses.
$550,000 mortgage in Illinois
Monthly payment, property tax, and total interest at typical rates.
Retirement at 30 earning $140,000
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Public Defender salary in Chicago
Drill down to city-level salary data for Chicago, Illinois.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median public defender salary in Illinois?
The median public defender salary in Illinois is $131,534, compared to a national median of $125,270.
What is the entry-level public defender salary in Illinois?
Entry-level public defender positions in Illinois typically pay around $83,412 annually.
What is the senior public defender salary in Illinois?
Senior public defender professionals in Illinois earn around $184,468 annually.
What is the job growth outlook for public defender?
The projected 10-year job growth outlook for public defender positions is 13%, which indicates strong demand in this field.
What education is needed to become a public defender?
Juris Doctor (JD) and Bar license required