▼21%
C$81,415
Avg. Base Salary (CAD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (CAD)
10%
CA$50k
MEDIAN
CA$81k
90%
CA$125k
The average salary for a Criminal Defense Lawyer is C$81,415 in 2025
Base Salary
C$50k - C$125k
Bonus
C$417 - C$25k
Profit Sharing
C$2k - C$49k
Total Pay
C$50k - C$167k
Is Average Criminal Defense Lawyer Salary in Canada 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?
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
64%
Dental
61%
Vision
46%
None
36%
Gender Breakdown for Criminal Defense Lawyers
Male
43.8%
Female
37.5%
This data is based on 16 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 CA$125k / year
What is the lowest pay for Criminal Defense Lawyers?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Criminal Defense Lawyer is CA$50k / 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.