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Public Defender Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Arkansas

PUBLIC DEFENDER II

Russellville, AR · On-site

$85K - $127K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

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

Ashdown, AR · On-site

$85K - $127K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

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

$62K - $94K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

County of Delaware, PA

Assistant Public Defender

Media, PA · On-site

$72K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Salary: $72,000.00 Annually Location : Media, PA Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 202300185 Department: Public Defender Opening Date: 11/06/2024 Summary *** For consideration you MUST attach a COVER ...

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 ...

State of North Carolina

Assistant Public Defender

Halifax, NC · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description of Work SALARY RANGE: $85,000.00 - $100,000.00 (based upon experience level) Seeking Experienced NC licensed attorneys. Experienced Assistant Public Defender - Felony Division (Halifax ...

State of Arkansas

PUBLIC DEFENDER I

Texarkana, AR · On-site

$71K - $105K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

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 Salary information

See salary details

$28K

$107.5K

$184.5K

How much do public defender salary jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender salary in the United States is $107,533.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $134,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the average salary of a public defender?

The average salary of a public defender in the United States typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on factors such as location, experience, and jurisdiction. In some areas, entry-level public defenders may start at around $45,000, while those with more experience or working in high-cost-of-living cities can earn upwards of $100,000. Benefits, such as health insurance and retirement plans, are commonly included as part of the compensation package.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public defender, and why are they important?

To excel as a Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, state bar admission, and strong legal research, litigation, and criminal law expertise. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and courtroom technology is essential. Exceptional communication, empathy, and resilience help build trust with clients and navigate high-stress situations. These abilities are crucial for advocating effectively for indigent clients and ensuring fair representation in the justice system.

What are some common challenges public defenders face in managing their caseloads, and how do they navigate these challenges?

Public defenders often handle a high volume of cases simultaneously, which can be challenging due to limited time and resources. They must prioritize urgent matters, maintain strong organizational skills, and communicate effectively with clients, courts, and colleagues. Many public defender offices provide mentorship, regular case reviews, and collaborative team structures to help attorneys manage their workloads and deliver effective legal representation. Embracing these support systems and developing efficient work habits are key to succeeding in this demanding yet rewarding role.

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

AspectPublic Defender SalaryCriminal Defense Attorney Salary
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar LicenseJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar License
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, public sectorPrivate law firms or solo practice
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, public sectorPrivate clients, law firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Public Defender Salary and Criminal Defense Attorney Salary both require a Juris Doctor degree and a state license. Public defenders work primarily in government settings, representing clients who cannot afford private attorneys, while criminal defense attorneys in the private sector serve individual clients. Salary ranges vary based on experience, location, and employer type, but understanding these differences helps clarify career paths in criminal law.

Is it hard to become a public defender?

Becoming a public defender typically requires earning a bachelor's degree, completing law school, and passing the state bar exam. The process involves competitive admission to law school, gaining legal experience, and often working in internships or clerkships, making it a challenging career path that demands dedication and strong legal skills.
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What job categories do people searching Public Defender Salary jobs look for?

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Public Defender Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender Salary job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,533 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Assistant Federal Public Defender (Appellate)

Federal Public Defender, Western District of Texas

San Antonio, TX • On-site

$77K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago

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

Apply