▲25%
$99,996
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$69k
MEDIAN
$100k
90%
$203k
The average salary for a Criminal Defense Lawyer is $99,996 in 2025
Base Salary
$69k - $203k
Bonus
$28 - $19k
Total Pay
$68k - $926k
Is Average Criminal Defense Lawyer with Complex Litigation Case Management 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?
▼10%
What Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Do?
Criminal Defense Lawyer Tasks
- Present cases in court representing the local, state or federal government.
- Review reports, evidence, and conduct research.
- Question witnesses, victims or others involved in the case.
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Medical
50%
Dental
50%
Vision
50%
None
50%
Gender Breakdown for Criminal Defense Lawyers
Male
75.0%
Female
25.0%
This data is based on 4 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 $203k / year
What is the lowest pay for Criminal Defense Lawyers?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Criminal Defense Lawyer is $69k / 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.