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Public Defender Salary in Port Arthur, TX

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

Median Salary
$105,916
per year in Port Arthur
Entry Level
$67,167
Starting salary
Senior Level
$148,541
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
89
11% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$67,167$105,916$148,541
Monthly$5,597$8,826$12,378
Biweekly$2,583$4,074$5,713
Weekly$1,292$2,037$2,857
Hourly$32$51$71

Port Arthur vs National Average

How Port Arthur's public defender salaries compare to national figures.

Port Arthur Salary
$105,916
COL Index: 89
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$19,354
Lower in Port Arthur

Cost of Living in Port Arthur

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,000
per month
Median Income
$48,234
per year
Population
54,112
residents
Rent % of Income
24.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 89 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Port Arthur 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
+92%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+94%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
+57%
Houston, TX
$139,460
+32%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
+28%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Public Defender Salary in Port Arthur, TX — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in Port Arthur, TX is $105,916 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 89. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Port Arthur's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in Port Arthur can expect to earn around $67,167 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $148,541 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Port Arthur's cost of living index of 89 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Port Arthur 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 Port Arthur typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,000 per month, housing represents about 11.3% 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 Port Arthur, 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.