Public Defender Salary in Houston, TX
How much does a public defender make in Houston? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Houston's cost of living.
Salary Breakdown by Experience Level
See how public defender salaries break down across different pay periods in Houston.
| Period | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $88,439 | $139,460 | $195,585 |
| Monthly | $7,370 | $11,622 | $16,299 |
| Biweekly | $3,402 | $5,364 | $7,523 |
| Weekly | $1,701 | $2,682 | $3,761 |
| Hourly | $43 | $67 | $94 |
Houston vs National Average
How Houston's public defender salaries compare to national figures.
Cost of Living in Houston
About Public Defender
Overview
Defend individuals accused of crimes who cannot afford private attorneys.
Education
Juris Doctor (JD) and Bar license required
Key Skills
Growth Rate
Expected job growth: +13% over the next decade
Compare Cities: Public Defender Salary
See Public Defender salaries in other top cities.
Financial Tools to Explore
Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a public defender salary in Houston.
Salary Breakdown Calculator
See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.
Cost of Living Calculator
Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Houston.
Budget Calculator
Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Houston.
Public Defender Salary in Houston, TX — Complete Guide
Median Salary Overview
The median salary for a public defender in Houston, TX is $139,460 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 99. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Houston's unique economic conditions.
Salary Range and Experience Levels
Entry-level public defender professionals in Houston can expect to earn around $88,439 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $195,585 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.
Cost of Living Adjustment
Houston's cost of living index of 99 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Houston 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 Houston typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,400 per month, housing represents about 12.0% 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 Houston, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.