▼12%
$91,655
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$60k
MEDIAN
$92k
90%
$162k
The average salary for a Criminal Defense Lawyer is $91,655 in 2025
Base Salary
$60k - $162k
Bonus
$1k - $44k
Profit Sharing
$1 - $24k
Total Pay
$61k - $187k
Is Average Criminal Defense Lawyer Salary your job title? Find out what you should be paid
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Criminal Defense Lawyers?
What Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Do?
Find your market worth – how it works:
How do Criminal Defense Lawyers Rate Their Jobs?
We currently don't have any reviews for this job and need at least 5 ratings before we can calculate a satisfaction score. Are you a Criminal Defense Lawyer? Take our survey to help us meet this goal.
Common Health Benefits for a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Medical
69%
Dental
60%
Vision
49%
None
31%
Gender Breakdown for Criminal Defense Lawyers
Male
54.3%
Female
45.7%
This data is based on 35 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Criminal Defense Lawyers
What is the highest pay for Criminal Defense Lawyers?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Criminal Defense Lawyer is $162k / year
What is the lowest pay for Criminal Defense Lawyers?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Criminal Defense Lawyer is $60k / year
How can Criminal Defense Lawyers increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Criminal Defense Lawyer is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Criminal Defense Lawyer that oversees more junior Criminal Defense Lawyers, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.