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Public Defender Salaries Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Arkansas

PUBLIC DEFENDER II

Ashdown, AR · On-site

$85K - $127K/yr

SPC05 Salary Range: $85,943 - $127,195 Job Summary The Public Defender II is responsible for providing high-quality legal defense services to individuals who cannot afford private legal ...

State of Arkansas

PUBLIC DEFENDER II

Wynne, AR · On-site

$85K - $127K/yr

SPC05 Salary Range: $85,943 - $127,195 Job Summary The Public Defender II is responsible for providing high-quality legal defense services to individuals who cannot afford private legal ...

Cumberland County

Assistant Public Defender

Carlisle, PA · On-site

$62K - $94K/yr

PD3017 Salary Ranges (depending on relevant years of work experience and education) : * Assistant Public Defender I: $62,790.00-$78,448.50 * Assistant Public Defender II: $74,763.00-$93,366.00

State of Arkansas

PUBLIC DEFENDER I

Texarkana, AR · On-site

$71K - $105K/yr

SPC03 Salary Range: $71,027 - $105,120 Job Summary The Public Defender I is responsible for providing legal defense services to individuals who cannot afford private counsel, ensuring that all ...

State of Arkansas

PUBLIC DEFENDER I

El Dorado, AR · On-site

$71K - $105K/yr

SPC03 Salary Range: $71,027 - $105,120 Job Summary The Public Defender I is responsible for providing legal defense services to individuals who cannot afford private counsel, ensuring that all ...

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Public Defender Salaries information

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$47K

$78.6K

$132K

How much do public defender salaries jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 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.

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 much do public defenders make in Vermont?

Public defenders in Vermont typically earn an average salary ranging from $50,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience and location. Entry-level public defenders may start at lower salaries, while those with more experience or specialized skills can earn higher wages. Salaries are often supplemented with benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.
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States with the most job openings for Public Defender Salaries jobs include:

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Public Defender Salaries jobs near you

Assistant Federal Public Defender (Appellate)

Federal Public Defender, Western District of Texas

San Antonio, TX

$77K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Position Announcement 26-31

ASSISTANT FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER (Appellate)

Office of the Federal Public Defender

Western District of Texas (San Antonio)

The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Texas is accepting applications for an assistant federal public defender to be stationed in the San Antonio office, preferably, or another office within the Western District of Texas. The Federal Public Defender operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. 3006A, to provide defense services in federal criminal cases and related matters by appointment from the court to individuals unable to afford counsel.

Requirements. An assistant federal public defender must be (1) a graduate of an accredited law school; (2) admitted to practice before a state bar, but a Texas bar license is strongly preferred; and (3) licensed to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court within one year after employment begins. At least three years of specialized experience is preferred. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including but not limited to an FBI name and fingerprint check.

Duties. An assistant federal public defender (Appellate) represents clients charged with and convicted of federal criminal offenses under the Criminal Justice Act. Regular responsibilities include working with clients; managing a caseload; reviewing complex case files and records on appeal; identifying relevant legal issues; providing trial support; preparing pleadings, briefings, and petitions; and maintaining in-depth and current knowledge of appellate practices and case law. The position requires travel for oral arguments. Federal public defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.

Selection Criteria. The successful applicant will have strong legal research and word processing skills, the ability to analyze legal issues from complex records, and write clearly and concisely. Applicants should also have an established capacity or clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in criminal defense practice, a commitment to the representation of indigent accused persons, and a reputation for integrity. Applicants must be able to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, colleagues, and court and agency personnel. Finally, applicants must also be team-oriented and possess skills for collaboration, strategic litigation, compassionate representation, and unique approaches to the issues affecting our clients. Appellate writing experience or experience in handling federal criminal cases is preferred.

Salary and Benefits. The salary of an assistant federal public defender is commensurate with that of an assistant U.S. attorney with similar qualifications and experience. The position is in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. The position offers federal government employment benefits, including health and life insurance, retirement, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit).

How to Apply.

  • Cover letter, resume and representative writing sample.
  • Three professional references with their contact information.
  • Form AO-78 - All sections of the AO-78 must be completed in full, with dates in the following format: mm/dd/yyyy.
  • Apply at Openings at Federal Public Defender, Western District of Texas. Attach your cover letter, resume, references and the AO-78 in one pdf. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Federal Public Defender is an equal-opportunity employer.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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