▼20%
$100,974
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$56k
MEDIAN
$101k
90%
$160k
The average salary for a Criminal Defense Lawyer is $100,974 in 2025
Base Salary
$56k - $160k
Bonus
$3k - $112k
Profit Sharing
$2k - $19k
Total Pay
$60k - $358k
Is Average Criminal Defense Lawyer with Defense Systems Skills Salary your job title? Find out what you should be paid
Use our tool to get a personalized report on your market worth.What's this?
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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:
Common Health Benefits for a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Medical
75%
Dental
67%
Vision
50%
None
25%
Gender Breakdown for Criminal Defense Lawyers
Male
61.5%
Female
38.5%
This data is based on 13 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 $160k / year
What is the lowest pay for Criminal Defense Lawyers?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Criminal Defense Lawyer is $56k / 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.