Public Defender Salary in Tennessee
Explore public defender salaries in Tennessee including median pay, entry-level and senior compensation, and how it compares to the national average.
Salary Breakdown
| Pay Period | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $67,524 | $106,480 | $149,331 |
| Monthly | $5,627 | $8,873 | $12,444 |
| Biweekly | $2,597 | $4,095 | $5,744 |
| Weekly | $1,299 | $2,048 | $2,872 |
| Hourly | $32 | $51 | $72 |
TN vs National Comparison
About This Career
Defend individuals accused of crimes who cannot afford private attorneys.
Education
Juris Doctor (JD) and Bar license required
Key Skills
Compare Jobs
Compare salaries for other legal jobs in Tennessee:
Explore Related Data for a Public Defender in Tennessee
Dig into every angle of a public defender salary ($106,480 median) in Tennessee — take-home pay, affordability, taxes, mortgage, retirement, and city-level data.
Take-home pay on $106,480 in Tennessee
Federal, state, Social Security, and Medicare — what you keep after taxes.
What you can afford on $106,480 in Tennessee
Home price, rent, and monthly spending guidelines for this income.
Tax brackets on $106,480 in Tennessee
Exactly which federal and state brackets your salary crosses.
$450,000 mortgage in Tennessee
Monthly payment, property tax, and total interest at typical rates.
Retirement at 30 earning $100,000
Savings benchmarks and projections for your income level.
Public Defender salary in Nashville
Drill down to city-level salary data for Nashville, Tennessee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median public defender salary in Tennessee?
The median public defender salary in Tennessee is $106,480, compared to a national median of $125,270.
What is the entry-level public defender salary in Tennessee?
Entry-level public defender positions in Tennessee typically pay around $67,524 annually.
What is the senior public defender salary in Tennessee?
Senior public defender professionals in Tennessee earn around $149,331 annually.
What is the job growth outlook for public defender?
The projected 10-year job growth outlook for public defender positions is 13%, which indicates strong demand in this field.
What education is needed to become a public defender?
Juris Doctor (JD) and Bar license required