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Public Defender Salary in Pasadena, TX

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

Median Salary
$139,460
per year in Pasadena
Entry Level
$88,439
Starting salary
Senior Level
$195,585
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
102
2% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
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

Pasadena vs National Average

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

Pasadena Salary
$139,460
COL Index: 102
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$14,190
Higher in Pasadena

Cost of Living in Pasadena

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,400
per month
Median Income
$55,234
per year
Population
158,370
residents
Rent % of Income
30.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 102 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Pasadena 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
+46%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+48%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
+19%
Houston, TX
$139,460
0%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
-3%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Public Defender Salary in Pasadena, TX — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in Pasadena, TX is $139,460 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 102. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Pasadena's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in Pasadena 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

Pasadena's cost of living index of 102 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena, 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.