Criminal Defense Lawyer Salary in the United States

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How much does a Criminal Defense Lawyer make?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Criminal Defense Lawyer in the United States is $105,350. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $90,289 to $122,324, with most professionals earning between $76,577 and $137,777.

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Salary range for an Criminal Defense Lawyer
$90,289 to $122,324
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Criminal Defense Lawyer Salary in Major Cities

This chart shows the salary comparison for Criminal Defense Lawyer between major cities. San Francisco City consistently ranks #1 as of April 01, 2025. Click on the chart to see the detail salary data for Criminal Defense Lawyer in each city.

Criminal Defense Lawyer Salary by City

Click to see the salary for Criminal Defense Lawyer in these major U.S. cities.
City Name Average Salary
San Francisco, CA $131,572
Washington, DC $116,644
Miami, FL $101,221
Chicago, IL $108,869
Boston, MA $117,497
New York, NY $122,091
Dallas, TX $104,034
If you'd like know Criminal Defense Lawyer Salary in other cities, then please select a city in

Average Salary Range for Criminal Defense Lawyer

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
90289
122324
105350

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
93233
130228
110177
What is the average salary for Criminal Defense Lawyer in 2025?
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Criminal Defense Lawyer in the United States. The base salary for Criminal Defense Lawyer ranges from $90,289 to $122,324 with the average base salary of $105,350. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $93,233 to $130,228 with the average total cash compensation of $110,177.

View Average Salary for Criminal Defense Lawyer as table

Average Salary Average Salary Range
Base Salary $105,350 $90,289 - $122,324
Bonus $4,827 $2,944 - $7,905
Total Pay $110,177 $93,233 - $130,228
* Base Salary represents gross income before taxes and deductions. It does not include additional pay such as benefits, bonuses, profit sharing or commissions.
* Total Pay combines base salary, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job.

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Your target salary is ?
90289
122324

 

Comments about Criminal Defense Lawyer

What's the difference between Criminal Lawyer and Criminal Defense Lawyer?
According to our latest salary estimation on April 01, 2025. The average salary of Criminal Defense Lawyer is $105,350, and the average salary of Criminal Lawyer is $105,350. The average salary of Criminal Lawyer is lower than Criminal Defense Lawyer. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
I am a Criminal Defense Lawyer, which location’s salary is higher, Riverside, CA or Bossier City, LA?
Riverside, CA typically sees higher pay than Bossier City, LA for Criminal Defense Lawyer. a Criminal Defense Lawyer Salary in Riverside, CA is $111,155 as of April 01, 2025; a Criminal Defense Lawyer Salary in Bossier City, LA is $96,648 as of April 01, 2025. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )

Criminal Defense Lawyer Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the salary of a Criminal Defense Lawyer vary from city to city?
The cost of living is tied to salaries. If the expenses are higher in a particular city, then the wage level will be higher as well to afford the people can opportunity to live there. This is why you're always going to make more money in New York City for example, than in a small town. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
What are the Pay Factors for Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Salary ranges for a Criminal Defense Lawyer can vary widely, depending on the city and several other pay factors, including (but not limited to) education level, certifications, additional skills, and work experience. Click here to view Eight Factors That Can Affect Your Pay ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
How the Pay Factors Influence Your Pay?
Salaries are ultimately dictated by the position being applied to, and hiring company, but there are several important pay factors that come into play based on your individual history that could impact your value to the company. Salary.com's Personal Salary Report will analyze these factors for you to help you maximize your earning potential. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )

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Last Update: April 01, 2025