Public Defender Salary in Washington
Explore public defender salaries in Washington 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 | $88,973 | $140,302 | $196,766 |
| Monthly | $7,414 | $11,692 | $16,397 |
| Biweekly | $3,422 | $5,396 | $7,568 |
| Weekly | $1,711 | $2,698 | $3,784 |
| Hourly | $43 | $67 | $95 |
WA 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 Washington
Dig into every angle of a public defender salary ($140,302 median) in Washington — take-home pay, affordability, taxes, mortgage, retirement, and city-level data.
Take-home pay on $140,302 in Washington
Federal, state, Social Security, and Medicare — what you keep after taxes.
What you can afford on $140,302 in Washington
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Tax brackets on $140,302 in Washington
Exactly which federal and state brackets your salary crosses.
$550,000 mortgage in Washington
Monthly payment, property tax, and total interest at typical rates.
Retirement at 30 earning $140,000
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Public Defender salary in Seattle
Drill down to city-level salary data for Seattle, Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median public defender salary in Washington?
The median public defender salary in Washington is $140,302, compared to a national median of $125,270.
What is the entry-level public defender salary in Washington?
Entry-level public defender positions in Washington typically pay around $88,973 annually.
What is the senior public defender salary in Washington?
Senior public defender professionals in Washington earn around $196,766 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