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Public defender salary in California, 2026

How much does a Public Defender make in California?

Average base salary

$123,719
30%
above national average
Average $123,719
Low $76,779
High $199,355

The average salary for a public defender is $123,719 per year in California. 206 salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated July 19, 2026).

Public Defender job openings in California

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Deputy Public Defender I/II/II...
Merced County, CA3.7out of 5 stars.
Merced, CA
$79,768.00 - $188,156.80 a year
Full-time
2 days ago

Highest paying companies for Public Defender in California

Average year pay is based on job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months.
County Of Sacramento
 
$232,835per year
View company
County of Santa Cruz
 
$227,635per year
View company
Sacramento County, CA
 
$222,121per year
View company
El Clasificado
 
$199,076per year
View company
CPS HR CONSULTING
 
$192,733per year
View company
County of Monterey, CA
 
$183,014per year
View company

Highest paying cities for Public Defenders near California

  1. Santa Barbara, CA
    $167,993 per year
  2. Salinas, CA
    $160,402 per year
  3. Modesto, CA
    $131,842 per year
  4. Ukiah, CA
    $119,886 per year
  5. Redding, CA
    $117,647 per year

Where can a Public Defender earn more?

Compare salaries for Public Defenders in different locations
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