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Public Defender Salary in Southlake, TX

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

Median Salary
$148,758
per year in Southlake
Entry Level
$94,335
Starting salary
Senior Level
$208,625
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
125
25% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$94,335$148,758$208,625
Monthly$7,861$12,397$17,385
Biweekly$3,628$5,721$8,024
Weekly$1,814$2,861$4,012
Hourly$45$72$100

Southlake vs National Average

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

Southlake Salary
$148,758
COL Index: 125
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$23,488
Higher in Southlake

Cost of Living in Southlake

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,600
per month
Median Income
$192,234
per year
Population
32,910
residents
Rent % of Income
10.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 125 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Southlake 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
+37%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+38%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
+12%
Houston, TX
$139,460
-6%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
-9%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Public Defender Salary in Southlake, TX — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a public defender in Southlake, TX is $148,758 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 125. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Southlake's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level public defender professionals in Southlake can expect to earn around $94,335 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level public defenders earning approximately $208,625 per year. This represents a 121% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Southlake's cost of living index of 125 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Southlake 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 Southlake typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,600 per month, housing represents about 12.9% 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 Southlake, 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.