General Counsel General Counsel Salary in Chicago, IL

General Counsel Salary in Chicago, IL

Updated on Jun 10, 2026
Position
City
Salary

How much does a General Counsel make in Chicago, IL?

The average salary for a General Counsel is $198,078 per year in Chicago, IL.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for General Counsel jobs in Chicago, IL, showing an average salary of $198,078 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for General Counsel jobs in Chicago, IL, showing an average salary of $16,506 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for General Counsel jobs in Chicago, IL, showing an average salary of $3,809 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for General Counsel jobs in Chicago, IL, showing an average salary of $95 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

If you are in the market for a General Counsel position, you might be curious about the salary in Chicago, IL. This city offers a range of salaries for this role, with many professionals earning a good living. The average yearly salary for General Counsel in Chicago, IL is around $198,078. This figure serves as a helpful benchmark for job seekers to gauge potential earnings.

The salary for General Counsel in Chicago, IL can vary based on experience, education, and other factors. Here are some salary figures for different levels of experience:

  • Entry-level: $111,372
  • Mid-level: $156,577
  • Senior-level: $269,590
  • Executive-level: $360,000
A higher salary often comes with more experience and additional responsibilities. It can also depend on the size and type of the organization. These figures show the potential for growth and reward in this career path.

General Counsel jobs in Chicago, IL
View all General Counsel jobs in Chicago, IL

What are the highest paying cities for a General Counsel near Chicago, IL?

General Counsels near Chicago, IL, have great job opportunities in nearby cities. Aurora offers an average salary of around $218,000. Naperville and Schaumburg also provide strong earning potential, with averages around $169,000 and $159,000, respectively. These locations make excellent choices for job seekers looking for high-paying roles in the legal field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for General Counsel jobs near Chicago, IL, highlighting Aurora, IL with the highest at $218,047 and Schaumburg, IL with the lowest at $159,207.

  1. Aurora, IL
    Average Salary: $218,047
    Aurora offers a vibrant business environment with numerous companies seeking top legal talent. With major firms like CommonSpirit Health and Caterpillar Inc., professionals here thrive on complex legal challenges. The city’s business-friendly atmosphere makes it an attractive place for legal careers.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Aurora, IL


  2. Naperville, IL
    Average Salary: $169,223
    Naperville is known for its well-established corporate landscape. Legal professionals find opportunities with leading companies such as CDW and World Kitchen. The city’s focus on tech and finance creates a dynamic setting for legal experts. The professional community here is collaborative and innovative.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Naperville, IL


  3. Schaumburg, IL
    Average Salary: $159,207
    In Schaumburg, legal professionals can expect to work in a modern and growing market. Companies like Allstate and Sodexho focus on a range of industries, from insurance to food services. The city’s commitment to business growth offers many prospects for legal careers. The community values skilled and dedicated legal talent.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Schaumburg, IL

What are the best paying companies for a General Counsel in Chicago, IL?

Some top-paying companies for General Counsel jobs in Chicago include PwC, Google, and LINCOLN INTERNATIONAL. These firms offer competitive salaries that often exceed $250,000. These companies provide not only attractive pay but also a chance to work in a dynamic and rewarding environment.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for General Counsel jobs in Chicago, IL, highlighting PwC with the highest at $312,000 and Metra with the lowest at $136,400.

  1. PwC
    Average Salary: $312,000
    At PwC, General Counsel jobs involve providing expert legal guidance across various sectors. They operate globally, with headquarters in London and offices worldwide, including Chicago. The role demands handling complex legal issues and ensuring compliance.


  2. Google
    Average Salary: $270,000
    As General Counsel at Google, you will manage the legal aspects of a tech giant. Google operates globally with headquarters in California and numerous offices worldwide, including Chicago. This role involves protecting intellectual property and ensuring legal compliance.


  3. LINCOLN INTERNATIONAL
    Average Salary: $250,313
    General Counsel roles at LINCOLN INTERNATIONAL include overseeing legal affairs for a global leader in executive search. Based in Chicago, they offer competitive salaries. The role involves strategic legal guidance and ensuring compliance with international standards.


  4. Salesforce
    Average Salary: $215,313
    Salesforce provides cloud-based software solutions. As General Counsel, you will manage legal issues for this tech leader. Salesforce operates globally with headquarters in San Francisco and offices worldwide, including Chicago. This role focuses on compliance and corporate governance.


  5. NielsenIQ
    Average Salary: $198,167
    NielsenIQ offers market research and data analytics. The General Counsel role at NielsenIQ includes managing legal risks. They operate globally, with headquarters in New York and offices worldwide, including Chicago. This role involves compliance and strategic legal guidance.


  6. Brookfield Properties
    Average Salary: $196,250
    Brookfield Properties manages real estate. General Counsel roles involve overseeing legal issues. They operate globally, with headquarters in Toronto and offices worldwide, including Chicago. The role includes handling corporate governance and compliance.


  7. Blue Cross Blue Shield
    Average Salary: $173,850
    Blue Cross Blue Shield offers health insurance. As General Counsel, you will manage legal affairs. They operate in the U.S. with headquarters in Chicago. The role involves compliance, corporate governance, and regulatory matters.


  8. Hyatt
    Average Salary: $169,458
    Hyatt Hotels is a global hospitality company. General Counsel roles involve managing legal issues. They operate worldwide, with headquarters in Chicago. This role includes compliance, corporate governance, and risk management.


  9. Lessen
    Average Salary: $142,500
    Lessen is a data protection company. General Counsel roles involve managing legal risks. They operate globally with headquarters in Chicago. This role focuses on compliance and data privacy.


  10. Metra
    Average Salary: $136,400
    Metra is a commuter rail system. General Counsel roles involve managing legal issues. They operate in Chicago. This role includes compliance, corporate governance, and risk management.

Currently 391 General Counsel job openings, nationwide.

View General Counsel Jobs in Chicago, IL

How's the job market for a General Counsel in the US?

Learn what a General Counsel does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a General Counsel today.
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General Counsel
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