General Counsel General Counsel Salary in Washington, DC

General Counsel Salary in Washington, DC

Updated on Jan 12, 2026
Position
City
Salary

How much does a General Counsel make in Washington, DC?

The average salary for a General Counsel is $227,167 per year in Washington, DC.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for General Counsel jobs in Washington, DC, showing an average salary of $227,167 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for General Counsel jobs in Washington, DC, showing an average salary of $18,931 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for General Counsel jobs in Washington, DC, showing an average salary of $4,369 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for General Counsel jobs in Washington, DC, showing an average salary of $109 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

General Counsel in Washington, DC earn an average yearly salary of $227,167. This is an important figure for those considering a career in law or aiming to move to the nation's capital. The salary range is broad, with the lowest-paid General Counsel earning around $102,850 and the highest-paid earning over $415,000.

Many factors can affect a General Counsel's salary. These include experience, the size of the organization, and the industry. Washington, DC is home to many large corporations and government agencies, which can offer competitive salaries. Experience and education also play a big role. Those with more years in the field and higher degrees tend to earn more. Professional certifications and a strong track record can also boost earnings.

General Counsel jobs in Washington, DC
View all General Counsel jobs in Washington, DC

What are the highest paying cities for a General Counsel near Washington, DC?

General Counsel roles near Washington, DC offer some of the highest salaries in the region. Falls Church, VA, stands out with the highest average salary at $260,793. Bethesda, MD, also provides a robust average salary for General Counsel at around $217,845. These cities are excellent places for legal professionals seeking high-paying opportunities. Close proximity to Washington, DC, and a strong demand for legal expertise make these locations ideal for career growth in the field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for General Counsel jobs near Washington, DC, highlighting Falls Church, VA with the highest at $260,793 and Gaithersburg, MD with the lowest at $140,696.

  1. Falls Church, VA
    Average Salary: $260,793
    Falls Church offers a dynamic environment for legal professionals. Many well-known companies are based here. These include consulting firms and tech startups. Working here means dealing with diverse legal challenges.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Falls Church, VA


  2. Bethesda, MD
    Average Salary: $217,845
    Bethesda is home to major health and tech companies. Legal professionals here often work on issues related to healthcare and technology. The city’s vibrant community and close proximity to Washington, D.C., offer unique opportunities.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Bethesda, MD


  3. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $213,868
    In Baltimore, legal professionals often work for large corporations and government agencies. The city has a rich history and a mix of industries. It offers a variety of legal challenges and growth opportunities.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Baltimore, MD


  4. Rockville, MD
    Average Salary: $168,150
    Rockville is known for its thriving tech and pharmaceutical sectors. Legal professionals here support companies with complex legal needs. The city’s community-focused environment adds to its appeal.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Rockville, MD


  5. Arlington, VA
    Average Salary: $167,147
    Arlington hosts many defense contractors and government agencies. Legal professionals play a key role in navigating the regulatory landscape. The city’s vibrant culture and networking opportunities enhance professional growth.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Arlington, VA


  6. Alexandria, VA
    Average Salary: $161,735
    Alexandria offers a blend of historic charm and modern business opportunities. Legal professionals here work for diverse industries, including federal agencies and private firms. The city’s rich history provides a unique backdrop.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Alexandria, VA


  7. Fairfax, VA
    Average Salary: $143,800
    Fairfax is a hub for large corporations and government offices. Legal professionals face a variety of challenges in this fast-paced environment. The city’s strong economy offers many job opportunities.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Fairfax, VA


  8. Gaithersburg, MD
    Average Salary: $140,696
    Gaithersburg is known for its growing tech industry. Legal professionals here often deal with issues related to tech innovation and patents. The city’s supportive community fosters professional development.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Gaithersburg, MD

What are the best paying companies for a General Counsel in Washington, DC?

Job seekers looking for General Counsel positions in Washington, DC, may find attractive opportunities at top-paying companies. KPMG offers the highest average salary of $455,833. Intuit and PwC also present competitive packages, with average salaries reaching $346,500 and $310,125, respectively. These firms provide strong financial incentives and valuable career growth for experienced legal professionals.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for General Counsel jobs in Washington, DC, highlighting KPMG with the highest at $455,833 and FINRA with the lowest at $197,289.

  1. KPMG
    Average Salary: $455,833
    At KPMG, General Counsel jobs focus on overseeing legal matters in the nation's capital and beyond. KPMG operates out of Washington, DC, and multiple locations nationwide.


  2. Intuit
    Average Salary: $346,500
    Intuit offers General Counsel roles that involve legal oversight for their innovative tech products. This company operates from its headquarters in Mountain View, CA, and has offices in Washington, DC.


  3. PwC
    Average Salary: $310,125
    PwC provides General Counsel positions that manage legal issues across various sectors. They have their main office in New York City but also maintain a strong presence in Washington, DC.


  4. Google
    Average Salary: $267,750
    Google's General Counsel jobs handle complex legal challenges in tech and privacy. Google operates globally, with significant operations in Washington, DC.


  5. Wells Fargo
    Average Salary: $266,600
    Wells Fargo offers General Counsel positions focused on banking and financial law. The company operates from San Francisco but has major offices in Washington, DC.


  6. Viasat
    Average Salary: $262,000
    Viasat's General Counsel roles involve legal matters related to communications technology. They operate from Carlsbad, CA, with a significant office in Washington, DC.


  7. Fannie Mae
    Average Salary: $238,125
    Fannie Mae offers General Counsel positions that deal with mortgage and housing laws. They are headquartered in Washington, DC, with additional offices across the country.


  8. AbbVie
    Average Salary: $236,500
    AbbVie provides General Counsel roles focusing on healthcare and pharmaceutical law. They operate from North Chicago, IL, with a significant presence in Washington, DC.


  9. gpac
    Average Salary: $200,625
    gpac offers General Counsel jobs that manage legal compliance and strategy. They have offices nationwide, including in Washington, DC.


  10. FINRA
    Average Salary: $197,289
    FINRA provides General Counsel roles focused on financial regulation and oversight. The company operates from Washington, DC, with several regional offices.

Currently 423 General Counsel job openings, nationwide.

View General Counsel Jobs in Washington, DC

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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