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Public Defender Salary in Abilene, TX

How much does a public defender make in Abilene? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Abilene's cost of living.

Median Salary
$107,106
per year in Abilene
Entry Level
$67,921
Starting salary
Senior Level
$150,210
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
90
10% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how public defender salaries break down across different pay periods in Abilene.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$67,921$107,106$150,210
Monthly$5,660$8,926$12,518
Biweekly$2,612$4,119$5,777
Weekly$1,306$2,060$2,889
Hourly$33$51$72

Abilene vs National Average

How Abilene's public defender salaries compare to national figures.

Abilene Salary
$107,106
COL Index: 90
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$18,164
Lower in Abilene

Cost of Living in Abilene

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,050
per month
Median Income
$51,234
per year
Population
128,139
residents
Rent % of Income
24.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 90 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Abilene have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Public Defender

Overview

Defend individuals accused of crimes who cannot afford private attorneys.

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) and Bar license required

Key Skills

Criminal DefenseTrial ExperienceLegal ResearchClient Advocacy

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +13% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Public Defender Salary

See Public Defender salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$203,450
+90%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+92%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
+55%
Houston, TX
$139,460
+30%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
+27%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Public Defender Salary in Abilene, TX — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in Abilene, TX is $107,106 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 90. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Abilene's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in Abilene can expect to earn around $67,921 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $150,210 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Abilene's cost of living index of 90 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Abilene 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 Abilene typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,050 per month, housing represents about 11.8% 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 Abilene, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.