Key numbers
Annual salaries - Lawyer
| |
Small law firm |
Midsize law firm |
Large law firm |
| First year |
56 125 $ |
65 500 $ |
84 750 $ |
| 1-3 years experience |
62 000 $ |
82 625 $ |
100 375 $ |
| 4-9 years experience |
90 125 $ |
134 500 $ |
171 875 $ |
| 10-12 years experience |
118 625 $ |
159 125 $ |
215 750 $ |
Source : Salary Guide 2010 / Robert Half Legal
Unemployment rate
The unemployment rate for legal jobs is 1%, which is much lower than the national average of 7%. This rate has never exceed 3%.
Average hourly salary
The average salary for legal professionals in Canada varies between $30 and $35 an hour, which is slightly higher than the national average of under $20.
Breakdown by age
Most judges, lawyers and notaries are betweeen 25 and 54 years of age. Given the number of years of study required before starting a legal career, it is rare to find people younger than 24 occupying these positions.
Part-time work
The percentage of part-time workers in the legal field is less than the Canadian average: only 6% vs 19% in other jobs.
Male/female ratio
Women account for about 35% of Canadian legal professionals, or less than the national average for all occupations combined of 48%.