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Public Defender Salaries Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TRG Defender

Staff Public Defender

Eagle Pass, TX

$85K - $110K/yr

Salary is commensurate with experience ($85,000 - $110,000) and includes an excellent fringe ... public defender office; are solution-oriented and creative; are able to work efficiently ...

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$47K

$78.6K

$132K

How much do public defender salaries jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender salaries in the United States is $78,587.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,000.00 and $86,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is $900 an hour a lot for a lawyer?

For a public defender, earning $900 an hour is significantly higher than typical salaries, as public defenders usually earn an annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $80,000. Such high hourly rates are more common for private attorneys with specialized expertise or in high-demand legal fields, not public defense roles. Public defenders generally work on a salary basis and do not charge clients hourly rates.

How much do top public defenders make?

Top public defenders can earn salaries exceeding $100,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-cost regions. Salaries vary by jurisdiction and level of experience, with some earning additional benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Public defenders typically do not earn $500,000 annually; their salaries are generally lower and vary by location and experience. Most public defenders earn between $50,000 and $100,000 per year, with higher salaries possible in large jurisdictions or with extensive experience. Achieving a $500,000 salary as a public defender is uncommon and usually requires additional roles or private practice work.

What is the difference between Public Defender Salaries vs Criminal Defense Attorney Salaries?

AspectPublic Defender SalariesCriminal Defense Attorney Salaries
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar LicenseJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar License
Work EnvironmentPublic sector, government offices, courtsPrivate practice, law firms, solo practices
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, public defender officesPrivate law firms, solo practitioners, corporate clients

Public Defender Salaries typically involve working for government agencies providing legal defense for indigent clients, often with standardized pay scales. Criminal Defense Attorneys in private practice may have higher earning potential but face variable income based on case load and client payments. Both roles require a JD and bar licensure, but their work environments and income structures differ significantly.

How hard is it to get hired as a Public Defender?

Getting hired as a public defender typically requires a law degree, passing the state bar exam, and relevant legal experience, often including internships or clerkships. Competition can be high due to limited positions, and strong advocacy, communication, and courtroom skills are essential for success in the role.
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Public Defender Salaries jobs near you
PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 1ST CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21000989

PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 1ST CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21000989

State of Florida

Defuniak Springs, FL • On-site

$74K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago

State Of Florida rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 50 rated states

Job description

Requisition No: 876320
Agency: Justice Administrative Commission
Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 1ST CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21000989
Pay Plan: Pub.DefndrsJAC
Position Number: 21000989
Salary: $74,000.00
Posting Closing Date: 10/31/2026
Total Compensation Estimator Tool
Agency: Office of the Public Defender, First Circuit
How to Apply: Use People First on-line system. Attach resume.
Position: Attorney (Assistant Public Defender)
Salary: Based Upon Experience (minimum $74,000.00 annually and a generous benefits package)
DESCRIPTION:
IMMEDIATE HIRE. Public Defender's Office in Walton County, Florida, is seeking an attorney to handle a misdemeanor or felony caseload. Starting salary is $74,000, with higher pay based on experience.
In the south end of Walton County enjoy the beautiful beaches along 30A that were ranked by HGTV as the top beaches in Florida. Our office is located in Defuniak Springs which is described as "the best small town in Florida" by MSN Insider. With deep gulf water fishing, state park canoeing and camping, and so much more, come live your best life where some only vacation.
  • Quality of Life. Lower Cost of living. Affordable housing.
  • Enjoy a positive and supportive workplace environment where you are challenged and encouraged to grow

Our attorneys manage a reasonable caseload, enjoy professional independence, yet receive strong support from our office administration and senior attorneys which allows you to maintain a healthy balance between your personal and professional life. As part of your training, our attorneys belong to the Florida Public Defender Association (FPDA), enjoy paid travel to continuing education seminars hosted by the FPDA and receive CLE credits. Generous benefits include State retirement system and health/hospitalization, life, and disability insurance coverage.
Preference given to members in good standing of The Florida Bar.
The Public Defender's Office has protected the Constitution and the rights of Florida citizens since the landmark Supreme Court case, Gideon v. Wainwright. Our office is responsible for providing legal counsel, when appointed by the Court, to those accused of criminal offenses who cannot afford to hire a lawyer, performing as trial counsel by representing defendants during courtroom proceedings, researching case law, communicating with defendant to determine trial strategy such as cross-examination procedures, witness selection, jury selection, testimony decisions and opening and closing arguments.
Employer has a "harassment-free" workplace policy requiring honesty, confidentiality and professional conduct. All employees must uphold confidentiality requirements of all host software programs. Employees must also practice safe workplace procedures, and follow policies and procedures.
If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS at 1-844-377-1888 on how your current benefits may be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.
Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.
The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.
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