The legal profession is a pillar of Canada’s justice system and economy, supporting individuals, businesses, and all levels of government.
Lawyers contribute in many ways, providing legal advice, representing clients in court, drafting important documents, managing real estate transactions, and much more.
But how much does the average Canadian lawyer earn? How does their income compare to the overall average national salaries? What factors impact their wages? And what does the future hold for legal careers in terms of earnings and growth?
This guide examines average lawyer salaries across Canada – from national and provincial averages to breakdowns by experience, field of practice, firm size, and other key factors.
What are Average Lawyer Salaries in Canada?
The average lawyer in Canada earns $100,090 per year in 2025. Starting salaries for entry-level lawyers begin around $80,000, while experienced practitioners can earn up to $278,250.
These numbers indicate that lawyers can earn a high income, making it a viable career choice for individuals with the necessary skills and a willingness to work hard.
In Canada, how much lawyers earn can vary a lot based on where they live, the size of their law firm, what area of law they specialize in, and how long they have been practicing. All these factors together lead to different income levels for lawyers in the country.
Lawyer Salaries Based on Region
Substantial variation in average lawyer salaries across Canada is based on provincial differences in living costs, economic conditions, and demand for legal services.
| Province/Territory | Average Salary |
| Alberta | $92,974 |
| Ontario | $101,188 |
| Saskatchewan | $120,767 |
| British Columbia | $101,620 |
| Quebec | $101,793 |
| Nova Scotia | $106,892 |
| Manitoba | $76,741 |
| New Brunswick | $83,872 |
| Northwest Territories | $123,220 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $66,307 |
| Nunavut | $112,532 |
| Prince Edward Island | $63,809 |
| Yukon | $120,699 |
According to Indeed.com, the highest-paid lawyers work in Toronto, Vancouver, Vernon, Calgary and other major metropolitan areas:
- Toronto: Average salary of $113,988
- Vancouver: Average of $130,502
- Vernon: Average of $109,686
- Calgary: Average of $103,331
Lawyer salaries are also higher in Calgary, Surrey, Hamilton, and North York.
Lawyer Salaries Based on Practical Area
Specialization drives earning potential more than any other controllable factor. High-demand expertise commands premium rates. Complex technical knowledge creates barriers to entry. Client budgets determine ceiling potential.
| Practice Area | Average Salary |
| Immigration Law | $183,486 |
| Corporate Law | $150,000 |
| Real Estate Law | $170,000 |
| Intellectual Property Law | $130,000 |
| Family Law | $125,000 |
| Criminal Law | $120,000 |
Higher salaries in corporate and immigration law reflect the sophisticated clientele and complexity of cases that lawyers in these fields take on. Due to rising demand from tech companies and startups, intellectual property lawyers are also highly compensated.
Conversely, family lawyers often handle high-volume practices with lower-income clients. Public defenders and legal aid lawyers in criminal law also earn less but provide an essential service.
Lawyer Salary Ranges Based on Experience
As legal professionals gain more years of practice, they typically take on more complex cases, greater responsibilities, and leadership roles, all of which are reflected in their compensation. The following breakdown illustrates how salaries evolve from entry-level positions to senior roles and firm partnerships.
- Entry-level (1-5 years): $80,000 – $178,250
- Mid-level (6-10 years): $121,250 – $227,500
- Senior-level (10+ years): $198,500 – $278,250
Partners at top firms with over 10-15 years of experience can earn more than $500,000 annually. Becoming an equity partner also provides profit-sharing and ownership opportunities.
Impact of Firm Size on Lawyer Salaries in Canada
Larger law firms have more lawyers, which lets them take on bigger cases and charge more money for their services. This means the lawyers at these bigger firms can make more money than those at smaller law offices.
Large firms with 50+ lawyers typically pay the highest salaries, followed by mid-size firms with 10-50 lawyers. The smallest firms with fewer than 10 lawyers offer lower compensation but provide better partnership opportunities.
Sole practitioners’ earnings vary widely based on their clientele and reputation. Successful boutique and solo attorneys can match or exceed the incomes of prominent firm lawyers with loyal clients and niche expertise. However, the risk is also greater without the backing of a large firm.
How do Bonuses and Additional Compensation Work for Lawyers in Canada?
Base salary is just one part of what lawyers earn. Most law firms offer bonuses and profit-sharing incentives that enhance overall compensation. Bonuses reflect individual performance, while profit-sharing allows lawyers to directly benefit from the firm’s financial success.
Non-financial rewards like additional vacation time, gifts, dinners, and public recognition are also used to reward standout lawyers. Larger firms typically offer the most lucrative bonus packages due to high case volumes and profit margins.
Along with monetary bonuses, non-financial rewards are often used to recognize achievements:
- Additional vacation days besides statutory holidays in Canada
- Public recognition at firm events
- Firm-paid meals or retreats
- Gifts like gift cards or tablets
- Flexible work arrangements
- Concierge services to assist with chores
These perks improve morale, work-life balance, and a sense of community. They demonstrate appreciation and boost retention.
What is the Gender Pay Gap for Lawyers in Canada?
Gender disparities persist throughout the legal profession. Male lawyers average $189,317 annually. Female lawyers earn $169,494. The $19,823 gap widens at senior levels.
| Category | Male Average | Female Average | Gap |
| Overall | $189,317 | $169,494 | $19,823 (10.5%) |
| Entry Level | $95,000 | $89,000 | $6,000 (6.3%) |
| Senior Level | $245,000 | $205,000 | $40,000 (16.3%) |
| Visible Minorities | -$23,000 from average | -$28,000 from average | Additional $5,000 |
According to Law.com research, multiple factors perpetuate gaps:
- Origination credit goes to relationship partners
- Maternity leave affects partnership timing
- Flexible work stigma limits advancement
- Old boys’ networks exclude women
Progress occurs through deliberate action. Transparent compensation bands reduce discretion. Parental leave policies equalize impacts. Sponsorship programs support advancement. Client pressure drives change.
Individual strategies help, but do not solve systemic issues. Women must navigate biased systems while advocating change. Male allies accelerate progress. Collective action works better than individual efforts.
Want to know about salaries for other jobs in Canada? Check this out:
Average Software Developer Salaries in Canada
Average Engineer Salaries in Canada
Average Registered Nurse Salaries in Canada
The Bottom Line
Canada’s legal field has many different jobs and can offer good pay. How much lawyers earn depends on where they live, how long they’ve been working, their area of law, and the size of their law firm. The highest pay usually comes after many years of experience, as they build up their knowledge and make important contacts.
Even though money is important, being a lawyer also brings big mental challenges, helps make a positive difference in the community, and offers respect and job security.
Knowing what affects how much lawyers earn can help new lawyers make smart decisions to get the best pay and career growth.
FAQs about Average Lawyer Salaries in Canada
Here are FAQs related to the topic of Average Lawyer Salaries in Canada that you might need to know:
How much does the average lawyer make in Canada?
The average lawyer salary in Canada is approximately $100,090 per year. However, salaries vary widely based on factors like years of experience, location, firm size, and practice area specialty.
Where do most lawyers work in Canada?
Most lawyers in Canada work at private law firms, ranging from large national firms to boutique practices. Others work as in-house corporate counsel at companies, or take government and public sector legal roles.
Why do some legal specialties pay more than others?
Lucrative specialties like corporate, intellectual property, and immigration law tend to pay the highest legal salaries in Canada. This reflects the sophisticated clients and complex cases in these high-demand practice areas.
Do male lawyers earn more than female lawyers in Canada?
Yes, male lawyers earn significantly higher salaries than females on average. The gender pay gap persists with men earning $189,317 vs. $169,494 for women. Closing this gap remains an ongoing diversity issue.
Why do lawyer salaries vary so much in Canada?
Salaries vary due to location (up to 100% difference), specialization (54% gap between highest and lowest), experience (seniors earn 3× more), and firm size (BigLaw pays 70% more than small firms).
Can lawyers work remotely in Canada in 2025?
Yes, many firms allow remote work post-pandemic. However, salaries may drop 20–30% if working from lower-cost cities instead of Toronto or Vancouver.
How do in-house lawyer salaries compare to law firms in Canada?
Law firms pay more, especially for seniors ($198,500–$278,250 versus $131,000–$193,250 in-house). However, in-house offers a better work-life balance.
Is there a lawyer shortage in Canada affecting salaries?
No general shortage exists. However, specialized fields like immigration and patent law face talent gaps, driving 10–15% annual salary growth.
