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Public Defender Salary in Mission, TX

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

Median Salary
$99,965
per year in Mission
Entry Level
$63,393
Starting salary
Senior Level
$140,196
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
84
16% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$63,393$99,965$140,196
Monthly$5,283$8,330$11,683
Biweekly$2,438$3,845$5,392
Weekly$1,219$1,922$2,696
Hourly$30$48$67

Mission vs National Average

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

Mission Salary
$99,965
COL Index: 84
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$25,305
Lower in Mission

Cost of Living in Mission

1-Bedroom Rent
$950
per month
Median Income
$43,234
per year
Population
85,329
residents
Rent % of Income
26.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 84 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Mission 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
+104%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+106%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
+66%
Houston, TX
$139,460
+40%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
+36%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Public Defender Salary in Mission, TX — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in Mission, TX is $99,965 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 84. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Mission's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in Mission can expect to earn around $63,393 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $140,196 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Mission's cost of living index of 84 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Mission 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 Mission typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $950 per month, housing represents about 11.4% 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 Mission, 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.