General Counsel Salaries & Top Paying Companies in San Francisco, CA

Position

City

Salary

How much does a General Counsel make in San Francisco, CA?

The average salary for a General Counsel is $235,337 per year in San Francisco, CA.

Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for General Counsel jobs in San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $235,337 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for General Counsel jobs in San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $19,611 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for General Counsel jobs in San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $4,526 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for General Counsel jobs in San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $113 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

In San Francisco, the role of a General Counsel often comes with a competitive salary. General Counsels can expect to earn a yearly average of $235,337. This salary reflects the important role they play in managing legal matters and ensuring compliance for businesses. The range of salaries varies, with some General Counsels earning more or less based on experience and the specific company.

The salary data shows that many General Counsels in San Francisco earn between $181,136 and $254,091 a year. This range indicates that experience and industry can greatly influence earnings. For those at the top of their field, salaries can reach up to $400,000 annually. These figures highlight the potential for strong financial rewards in this profession.

What are the highest paying cities for a General Counsel near San Francisco, CA?

Palo Alto offers the highest average salary for General Counsel jobs near San Francisco, CA, at $309,945. This city is a top choice for legal professionals seeking top compensation. Other nearby cities, such as Redwood City, Santa Clara, and Mountain View, also provide strong salaries for General Counsel roles.

Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for General Counsel jobs near San Francisco, CA, highlighting Palo Alto, CA with the highest at $309,945 and Fremont, CA with the lowest at $220,143.

Palo Alto, CA
Average Salary: $309,945
Working in Palo Alto offers a chance to engage with tech giants like Hewlett Packard and Tesla. Professionals navigate regulatory landscapes while supporting innovative companies.
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Redwood City, CA
Average Salary: $261,821
In Redwood City, legal experts often find roles in well-established firms like Spanx and Dropbox. The city provides a dynamic environment for legal professionals.
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Santa Clara, CA
Average Salary: $256,323
Santa Clara hosts numerous tech firms, including Intel and Apple. Legal professionals here play a key role in managing intellectual property and corporate law.
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Mountain View, CA
Average Salary: $249,036
Mountain View is home to Google and YouTube, where legal professionals handle high-stakes litigation and compliance. The tech-centric environment is both challenging and rewarding.
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Menlo Park, CA
Average Salary: $238,464
Menlo Park, known for its tech startups, offers exciting opportunities for legal professionals. Companies like Facebook and Genentech require skilled legal minds.
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South San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $235,000
Legal experts in South San Francisco work with biotech and pharmaceutical firms. The city's focus on innovation provides a unique backdrop for corporate law.
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San Mateo, CA
Average Salary: $228,723
San Mateo's diverse economy includes financial services and tech firms. Legal professionals here engage with a variety of industries, making the work dynamic and interesting.
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Oakland, CA
Average Salary: $222,339
Oakland offers a mix of public and private sector opportunities. Legal professionals can find roles in education, healthcare, and technology, contributing to community development.
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Alameda, CA
Average Salary: $220,513
In Alameda, legal professionals work with a blend of tech startups and established companies. The city's vibrant culture complements the fast-paced legal work environment.
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Fremont, CA
Average Salary: $220,143
Fremont's growing tech scene provides opportunities for legal professionals to work with firms in electronics and renewable energy. The city's expanding economy is an asset for career growth.
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What are the best paying companies for a General Counsel in San Francisco, CA?

Looking for a General Counsel position can be a rewarding career move, especially in San Francisco, CA. Companies like OpenAI, Salesforce, and Rippling offer some of the highest salaries for General Counsel roles. With averages around $368,167, $256,283, and $254,375, respectively, these employers are attractive to qualified candidates. Sigma Computing and City College of San Francisco also provide competitive salaries, with averages at around $225,000 and $211,153. Wilson Elser and Amazon.com also offer attractive compensation packages, with averages of about $204,375 and $175,378. These companies show the value they place on top legal talent.

Graph displaying best paying company salaries for General Counsel jobs in San Francisco, CA, highlighting OpenAI with the highest at $368,167 and Amazon.com with the lowest at $175,378.

OpenAI
Average Salary: $368,167
OpenAI is at the forefront of developing AI technologies. The General Counsel role here is crucial, handling complex legal matters and advising on compliance issues. The company operates in San Francisco, CA, and other locations.
Salesforce
Average Salary: $256,283
Salesforce is a leader in customer relationship management. The General Counsel provides strategic legal guidance to drive the company’s mission. Salesforce is headquartered in San Francisco, CA, with offices worldwide.
Rippling
Average Salary: $254,375
Rippling offers HR and IT solutions. The General Counsel manages legal risks and ensures compliance. The company is based in San Francisco, CA, with operations extending across the globe.
Sigma Computing
Average Salary: $225,000
Sigma Computing specializes in data analytics software. The General Counsel role is key in guiding legal strategies and compliance. The company is located in San Francisco, CA.
City College Of San Francisco
Average Salary: $211,153
City College Of San Francisco is a leading educational institution. The General Counsel handles legal affairs and ensures compliance with educational regulations. It is based in San Francisco, CA.
Wilson Elser
Average Salary: $204,375
Wilson Elser is a law firm offering various legal services. The General Counsel provides legal expertise and strategic advice. The firm operates in San Francisco, CA.
Amazon.com
Average Salary: $175,378
Amazon is a global e-commerce giant. The General Counsel role involves managing legal risks and compliance. Amazon has a major presence in San Francisco, CA.

What are the best paying General Counsel related jobs in San Francisco, CA?

If you're looking for high-paying general counsel jobs in San Francisco, several roles stand out. The Risk Management Director and Counsel positions lead the pack with average salaries of $241,678 and $207,971, respectively. These roles involve strategic oversight and legal guidance, making them attractive for ambitious professionals. Additionally, specialized roles like Patent Attorney and Real Estate Attorney also offer substantial earnings, with average salaries of $198,000 and $192,300. These positions require specific legal expertise and can be highly rewarding.

Graph displaying best paying related job salaries for General Counsel jobs near San Francisco, CA, highlighting Risk Management Director with the highest at $241,678 and Research Attorney with the lowest at $145,027.

Risk Management Director
Average Salary: $241,678
This role involves assessing and managing risk in a company. It requires a deep understanding of legal implications and strategies to mitigate risks. Tech firms and finance companies in San Francisco look for skilled directors to handle these responsibilities.
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Counsel
Average Salary: $207,971
A counsel provides expert advice on legal matters. They work closely with company leadership to ensure compliance with laws. Many large firms and startups in San Francisco need experienced counsel to navigate complex regulations.
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Patent Attorney
Average Salary: $198,000
Patent attorneys help companies protect their inventions. They draft, file, and manage patent applications. Tech companies in San Francisco often need these attorneys to safeguard their innovative products.
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Real Estate Attorney
Average Salary: $192,300
Real estate attorneys specialize in property law. They handle transactions, leases, and disputes. Companies in San Francisco that deal with property need these attorneys to manage their real estate interests.
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Regulatory Affairs Manager
Average Salary: $185,895
This role involves ensuring a company complies with industry regulations. They coordinate with regulatory bodies and internal teams. Many biotech and pharmaceutical firms in San Francisco hire these managers to stay compliant.
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Compliance Officer
Average Salary: $180,333
Compliance officers ensure a company follows legal and regulatory requirements. They develop policies and conduct audits. Financial institutions in San Francisco often seek compliance officers to manage their regulatory needs.
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Attorney
Average Salary: $167,916
Attorneys provide legal advice and representation. They handle cases, draft contracts, and appear in court. Law firms and corporations in San Francisco require attorneys to manage their legal affairs.
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Estate Planning Attorney
Average Salary: $165,000
These attorneys help individuals manage their assets. They draft wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Many financial services companies in San Francisco employ these attorneys to assist clients with estate planning.
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Insurance Attorney
Average Salary: $155,643
Insurance attorneys specialize in policies and claims. They represent clients in disputes and negotiations. Insurance companies in San Francisco hire these attorneys to handle complex legal matters.
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Research Attorney
Average Salary: $145,027
Research attorneys support legal teams by analyzing laws and precedents. They provide insights that inform legal strategies. Many law firms and corporations in San Francisco use these attorneys to strengthen their cases.
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General Counsel Salary in San Francisco, CA

How much does a General Counsel make in San Francisco, CA?

What are the highest paying cities for a General Counsel near San Francisco, CA?

What are the best paying companies for a General Counsel in San Francisco, CA?

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

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