Harris County Public Defender Salary

As of September 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Harris County Public Defender in the United States is $88,835. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $43. Salaries at Harris County Public Defender typically range from $77,679 to $101,648 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Harris County Public Defender Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Harris County Public Defender. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Investigator, with an annual salary of $63,171. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.
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Is Harris County Public Defender’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Harris County Public Defender's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
Momentum Church $77,412
-12.9%
Momentum Church focuses strategically on recruiting and training entry-level apprentices.
PenFed Foundation $94,584
+6.5%
Reflects a supply-demand imbalance for the specific talent PenFed Foundation targets.
Child Protection Coalition $83,044
-6.5%
Normalized for lower cost-of-living zones where Child Protection Coalition primarily operates.
Lubbock Private Defenders Office $76,146
-14.3%
Lubbock Private Defenders Office may offer non-monetary perks in lieu of competitive base salaries.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+29.8%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at Harris County Public Defender

Considering a career at Harris County Public Defender? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
Contributions are noticed and often appreciated. Opportunities for career growth and professional advancement are abundant here. Reliable employment, but innovation is often stifled by red tape. Supportive colleagues and collaborative work environment. The organization actively supports internal mobility and skill enhancement.
employees, operations run smoothly while still valuing individual contributions. For an organization of employees, the consistency in these offerings is a testament to their commitment to their staff’s long-term well-being. The benefits and pension plan are major advantages.
Management is polite but distant. It’s a place where you can make a difference. The pace take time and much of the work is routine. Excellent team doing important work with integrity and care. Leaders support growth, and peers are quick to collaborate and celebrate success together. The leadership team fosters transparency and encourages employee feedback, creating a trusting and collaborative env...

Harris County Public Defender Overview

Website
www.harriscountypublicdefender.org
Founded In
Data pending, update soon.
Employees
<25 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
1201 Franklin St Houston Texas TX 77002
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
+1 7132746700
Social Media
About Harris County Public Defender
We are a team of professionals who represent indigent persons charged in the misdemeanor, felony, and juvenile courts of Harris County. Our clients receive zealous representation from the combined experience of lawyers, investigators, social workers, and administrative staff. The Harris County Public Defenders Office (PDO) was established by the Harris County Commissioners Court to represent perso

What Benefits Does Harris County Public Defender Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Harris County Public Defender offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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How Much Should You Be Earning?

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What Is the Cost of Living Near Houston?

Understanding the cost of living near Houston is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Harris County Public Defender.
Houston's Cost of Living Index is approximately 98.5 (1.5% less expensive than US average; 5.9% more than TX average). Major city, energy/medical hub, housing generally affordable for size, but varies. METRO bus/rail. When planning your budget based on a salary from Harris County Public Defender, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,200 - $1,800+ A significant portion of Harris County Public Defender salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $150 - $250 (High AC use) Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $40 (METRO Q Card monthly) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $400 - $590 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $400 - $750+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $380 - $700+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,570 - $4,090+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Harris County Public Defender

1. What is the estimated average total compensation at Harris County Public Defender?

Salary.com estimates that the average total compensation package at Harris County Public Defender, which can include base salary, potential bonuses, and benefits, is around $88,835 annually . Total compensation provides a more holistic view of an employee's earnings.

2. How much does Harris County Public Defender pay compared to Momentum Church?

The average annual salary at Harris County Public Defender is $88,835, or an hourly wage of $43, in comparison to Momentum Church which pays $77,412 per year or $37 per hour.

3. What's the typical salary progression for an employee moving from an entry-level to a senior role at Harris County Public Defender?

Salary progression from an entry-level to a senior role at Harris County Public Defender can be significant, often involving several promotions and substantial pay increases. For example, an entry-level Analyst might see their salary potentially double or more as they progress to a Senior Manager or Director position over several years, assuming strong performance and development.

4. How can I determine if a salary offer from Harris County Public Defender in Houston is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from Harris County Public Defender in Houston is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Harris County Public Defender and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Houston" to understand its purchasing power.

5. Are promotions at Harris County Public Defender usually accompanied by a significant salary increase?

Yes, promotions at Harris County Public Defender are generally accompanied by a salary increase. The amount of the increase typically reflects the greater responsibilities, skills, and scope of the new role. The percentage increase can vary widely depending on the level of promotion and the company's compensation structure.