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Public Defender Salary in El Paso, TX

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

Median Salary
$112,380
per year in El Paso
Entry Level
$71,266
Starting salary
Senior Level
$157,607
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
88
12% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$71,266$112,380$157,607
Monthly$5,939$9,365$13,134
Biweekly$2,741$4,322$6,062
Weekly$1,371$2,161$3,031
Hourly$34$54$76

El Paso vs National Average

How El Paso's public defender salaries compare to national figures.

El Paso Salary
$112,380
COL Index: 88
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$12,890
Lower in El Paso

Cost of Living in El Paso

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,050
per month
Median Income
$48,365
per year
Population
678,815
residents
Rent % of Income
26.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 88 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in El Paso 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
+81%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+83%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
+48%
Houston, TX
$139,460
+24%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
+21%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Public Defender Salary in El Paso, TX — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in El Paso, TX is $112,380 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 88. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering El Paso's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in El Paso can expect to earn around $71,266 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $157,607 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

El Paso's cost of living index of 88 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in El Paso 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 El Paso typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,050 per month, housing represents about 11.2% 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 El Paso, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. 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.