General Counsel General Counsel Salary in Washington, DC

General Counsel Salary in Washington, DC

Updated on Jun 10, 2026
Position
City
Salary

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

The average salary for a General Counsel is $229,818 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 $229,818 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 $19,152 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 $4,420 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 $110 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

General Counsel in Washington, DC earn a strong salary. The average yearly salary stands at $229,818. This figure comes from various sources and reflects the range of compensation for this role.


The salary varies based on factors such as experience and the industry. For example, those with less than a year in the role earn around $102,500. At the other end, experienced General Counsel with more than 10 years in the field earn about $400,000 annually. Most General Counsel in Washington, DC fall between these two amounts. The data shows a clear progression in salary with increasing experience and expertise.

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?

Falls Church, VA, offers top salaries for General Counsel roles near Washington, DC. Candidates can expect to earn an average of $263,988 annually. Baltimore, MD, and Bethesda, MD, also provide competitive compensation packages, with average salaries around $239,794 and $219,994 respectively.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for General Counsel jobs near Washington, DC, highlighting Falls Church, VA with the highest at $263,988 and Fairfax, VA with the lowest at $146,000.

  1. Falls Church, VA
    Average Salary: $263,988
    Working as General Counsel in Falls Church offers a blend of government and private sector opportunities. Many federal agencies and defense contractors call this area home. A thriving legal community makes it a great place to advance your career.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Falls Church, VA


  2. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $239,794
    In Baltimore, General Counsel roles come with a rich history of legal precedent. The city is home to major law firms and institutions like Johns Hopkins. Professionals here enjoy a vibrant legal environment with a mix of public and private sector jobs.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Baltimore, MD


  3. Bethesda, MD
    Average Salary: $219,994
    Bethesda provides a dynamic setting for General Counsel professionals. Close to the nation’s capital, it hosts many government agencies and large healthcare organizations. This area offers diverse legal challenges and career growth.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Bethesda, MD


  4. Arlington, VA
    Average Salary: $177,070
    Arlington offers a strategic location near Washington, D.C., with many federal agencies and contractors. General Counsel roles here are diverse and impactful, dealing with national security and defense matters. It’s a city where legal expertise is in high demand.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Arlington, VA


  5. Rockville, MD
    Average Salary: $176,700
    Rockville is known for its robust biotech industry, making it an exciting place for General Counsel. The city offers many opportunities in pharmaceutical and health sciences. Legal professionals here play a crucial role in navigating complex regulatory environments.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Rockville, MD


  6. Alexandria, VA
    Average Salary: $166,147
    Alexandria combines historic charm with modern business growth. General Counsel roles here often involve working with local government and businesses. The city’s blend of tradition and progress makes it a unique place to practice law.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Alexandria, VA


  7. Gaithersburg, MD
    Average Salary: $147,469
    Gaithersburg is a hub for technology and engineering firms, providing varied opportunities for General Counsel. The area is growing fast, offering dynamic challenges. It’s an excellent place for those who enjoy a fast-paced legal environment.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Gaithersburg, MD


  8. Fairfax, VA
    Average Salary: $146,000
    Fairfax offers a mix of legal opportunities in both government and private sectors. With many corporations and federal agencies, General Counsel here deal with a wide range of legal issues. It’s a place where legal expertise can make a significant impact.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Fairfax, VA

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

Companies in Washington, DC, often offer competitive salaries for General Counsel positions. Intuit leads the pack with an average salary of $346,500. PwC follows closely with an average salary of $310,800, making both companies attractive for legal professionals. Honeywell, Google, and Wells Fargo also provide high salaries, with averages ranging from $262,000 to $281,833.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for General Counsel jobs in Washington, DC, highlighting Intuit with the highest at $346,500 and Okta with the lowest at $199,333.

  1. Intuit
    Average Salary: $346,500
    Intuit is a company based in Mountain View, California, but has offices in Washington, DC. They provide financial software for small businesses. General Counsel roles at Intuit focus on regulatory compliance and legal matters. This role is crucial as the company expands into new markets.


  2. PwC
    Average Salary: $310,800
    PwC is a global services company based in London, with a significant presence in Washington, DC. They offer auditing, tax, and consulting services. General Counsel jobs here handle complex legal issues and corporate governance. They ensure the company's operations comply with laws and regulations.


  3. Honeywell
    Average Salary: $281,833
    Honeywell, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, has offices in Washington, DC. They focus on aerospace, building technologies, and performance materials. General Counsel roles involve advising on legal risks and ensuring compliance with industry standards. This is key as the company deals with high-stakes technology.


  4. Google
    Average Salary: $267,750
    Google, based in Mountain View, California, has a major office in Washington, DC. They provide internet-related services and products. General Counsel roles at Google work on intellectual property, privacy, and regulatory issues. This role is essential as the company deals with vast amounts of data and technology.


  5. Wells Fargo
    Average Salary: $266,600
    Wells Fargo is a financial services company based in San Francisco, California, with a large office in Washington, DC. They offer banking and financial services. General Counsel roles focus on regulatory compliance and risk management. They ensure the company's operations adhere to banking laws and regulations.


  6. Viasat
    Average Salary: $262,000
    Viasat is a communications company based in Carlsbad, California, with a presence in Washington, DC. They provide satellite communications. General Counsel roles here manage legal issues related to technology and communications. This role is crucial as the company deals with advanced technology and global operations.


  7. AbbVie
    Average Salary: $254,000
    AbbVie is a biopharmaceutical company based in North Chicago, Illinois, with offices in Washington, DC. They focus on developing treatments for serious diseases. General Counsel roles handle regulatory compliance and intellectual property issues. They ensure the company's research and products comply with health regulations.


  8. Fannie Mae
    Average Salary: $242,167
    Fannie Mae is a government-sponsored enterprise based in Washington, DC. They provide mortgage finance. General Counsel roles handle regulatory compliance and risk management. They ensure the company's operations comply with housing laws and regulations.


  9. FINRA
    Average Salary: $231,600
    FINRA is a non-governmental organization based in Washington, DC. They regulate brokerage firms. General Counsel roles focus on ensuring compliance with securities laws and regulations. This role is crucial as they oversee the financial industry.


  10. Okta
    Average Salary: $199,333
    Okta is a cloud software company based in San Francisco, California, with a presence in Washington, DC. They focus on identity and access management. General Counsel roles handle privacy, data protection, and compliance issues. This role is key as the company deals with sensitive data and technology.

Currently 391 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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