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Criminal Defense Attorney Salary Guide (2026)

Explore salary ranges, in-demand skills, valuable certifications, and career progression for criminal defense attorney roles across the legal industry.

Avg. Salary

$70,000 - $160,000

Level

Mid-Senior Level

Salary Range

Low

$70,000

Midpoint

$115,000

High

$160,000

$0$208,000
Experience level: Mid-Senior Level

Key Skills

The most in-demand skills for criminal defense attorney roles, based on current job postings.

Criminal Trial PracticeSuppression Motions (4th/5th/6th Amendment)Plea NegotiationSentencing AdvocacyFederal Criminal LawForensic Evidence AnalysisGrand Jury PracticeWestlaw / PACERClient CounselingJury Selection (Voir Dire)

Certifications That Boost Salary

These certifications are commonly associated with higher compensation for criminal defense attorney roles.

State Bar Admission

Career Progression in Legal

Related roles in legal sorted by salary. Explore each to compare compensation and skills.

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