$90,298
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$56k
MEDIAN
$90k
90%
$160k
The average salary for a Criminal Defense is $90,298 in 2025
Base Salary
$56k - $160k
Bonus
$1k - $30k
Profit Sharing
$985 - $41k
Commission
$2k - $70k
Total Pay
$57k - $185k
Is Average Criminal Defense Salary your job title? Find out what you should be paid
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Find your market worth – how it works:
How do Criminal Defenses Rate Their Jobs?
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Common Health Benefits for a Criminal Defense
Medical
74%
Dental
54%
Vision
45%
None
25%
Gender Breakdown for Criminal Defenses
Female
50.5%
Male
48.7%
Prefer to self-define
0.7%
This data is based on 2,054 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Criminal Defenses
What is the highest pay for Criminal Defenses?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Criminal Defense is $160k / year
What is the lowest pay for Criminal Defenses?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Criminal Defense is $56k / year
How can Criminal Defenses increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Criminal Defense 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 that oversees more junior Criminal Defenses, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.