Overview Salaries

Counsel Salaries

Updated on Mar 10, 2026
Position
Salary

How much does a Counsel make?

The average salary for a Counsel is $157,546 per year in the US.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Counsel positions, showing an average salary of $157,546 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Counsel positions, showing an average salary of $157,546 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Counsel positions, showing an average salary of $157,546 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Counsel positions, showing an average salary of $157,546 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Counsel professionals enjoy a rewarding career with a competitive salary. On average, Counsel makes about $157,546 a year. This number can change based on experience, industry, and location.

Here are some salary ranges for Counsel positions:

  • The lowest 10% earn about $39,153.
  • The next 20% earn between $63,139 and $111,111.
  • The middle 40% earn between $111,111 and $183,070.
  • The next 20% earn between $183,070 and $255,028.
  • The top 10% earn over $255,028 annually.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Counsel?

Job seekers seeking roles in counsel can find excellent opportunities in major cities across the U.S. Los Angeles, California, offers the highest average salary at $215,435, followed closely by San Francisco at $207,971. Stamford, Connecticut, rounds out the top three with an average salary of $199,441 for counsel jobs. These cities present strong job markets with competitive salaries, making them attractive to professionals in the field. San Jose, Washington, D.C., and Chicago follow closely behind, each offering substantial compensation packages for those with the right qualifications.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Counsel jobs, highlighting Los Angeles, CA with the highest at $215,435 and Columbia, MO with the lowest at $164,140.

  1. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $215,435
    In Los Angeles, legal professionals find a dynamic market. With major firms like O’Melveny & Myers, job seekers can expect diverse opportunities. The city's vibrant culture supports a lively legal community.
    Find Counsel jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $207,971
    San Francisco offers a thriving legal environment. Companies like Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe provide excellent career prospects. The city's tech-savvy nature makes it ideal for tech law specialists.
    Find Counsel jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. Stamford, CT
    Average Salary: $199,441
    Stamford stands out with its corporate legal scene. Major companies such as Eversheds Sutherland attract top talent. The city's proximity to New York City offers additional networking opportunities.
    Find Counsel jobs in Stamford, CT


  4. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $190,765
    San Jose is a hub for tech law. With firms like Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, professionals thrive. The tech industry's growth fuels a steady demand for legal expertise.
    Find Counsel jobs in San Jose, CA


  5. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $188,697
    Washington, DC, is a political center with a rich legal landscape. Top firms such as Skadden Arps offer significant opportunities. The city’s political environment benefits policy and regulatory law experts.
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  6. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $174,524
    Chicago boasts a strong legal market. Firms like Kirkland & Ellis provide diverse opportunities. The city's rich history in law creates a fertile ground for legal careers.
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  7. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $173,441
    Seattle’s legal scene is vibrant and growing. Companies like Perkins Coie offer great prospects. The tech industry's presence enhances the demand for specialized legal services.
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  8. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $173,154
    San Diego offers a balanced legal market. Firms like Holland & Hart provide various opportunities. The city’s favorable climate supports a high quality of life for legal professionals.
    Find Counsel jobs in San Diego, CA


  9. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $164,480
    Sacramento presents a unique legal environment. The state capital attracts government-focused firms. Professionals here find ample opportunities in public policy and administrative law.
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  10. Columbia, MO
    Average Salary: $164,140
    Columbia offers a smaller, yet dynamic legal market. Firms like Husch Blackwell provide excellent opportunities. The city’s academic environment supports a strong legal community.
    Find Counsel jobs in Columbia, MO

What are the best companies a Counsel can work for?

Finding a lucrative career in counsel often means looking at top-tier companies. Netflix, KPMG, and OpenAI offer some of the highest average salaries for counsel jobs. These companies value legal expertise and provide excellent compensation packages. Seeking a position at these firms can lead to a rewarding and well-paid career.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Counsel jobs, highlighting Netflix with the highest at $426,818 and Apple with the lowest at $242,812.

  1. Netflix
    Average Salary: $426,818
    Netflix, a leading global entertainment company, offers exciting Counsel opportunities. Their Counsels work in various locations, including their headquarters in Los Gatos, California, and offices around the world. They deal with complex legal issues related to intellectual property, privacy, and more. Being part of Netflix means working with cutting-edge technology and a dynamic team.


  2. KPMG
    Average Salary: $303,000
    KPMG, a top-tier professional services firm, provides excellent Counsel positions. KPMG Counsels work in numerous locations, including major cities across the U.S. and globally. They focus on corporate law, tax, and advisory services. KPMG values diversity and professional growth, making it a great place for Counsels to advance their careers.


  3. OpenAI
    Average Salary: $296,792
    OpenAI, a leading AI research company, has rewarding Counsel positions. Their Counsels are based in San Francisco, California, and other key locations. They deal with the legal aspects of AI development and deployment. Working at OpenAI means being at the forefront of technology and innovation.


  4. Waymo
    Average Salary: $278,559
    Waymo, a pioneer in autonomous vehicle technology, offers competitive Counsel jobs. Their Counsels operate from Mountain View, California, and other strategic locations. They tackle legal challenges in transportation and technology. Joining Waymo means contributing to the future of mobility.


  5. Norton Rose Fulbright
    Average Salary: $265,833
    Norton Rose Fulbright, a global law firm, provides diverse Counsel roles. Counsels work in major cities across the U.S. and internationally. They handle a broad range of legal matters, from corporate law to litigation. The firm emphasizes teamwork and client service.


  6. Jackson Lewis
    Average Salary: $263,398
    Jackson Lewis, a prominent law firm, offers Counsel positions with strong benefits. Their Counsels work in several U.S. cities and internationally. They focus on employment law and labor relations. The firm supports continuous learning and professional development.


  7. TikTok
    Average Salary: $253,664
    TikTok, the fast-growing social media platform, has exciting Counsel roles. Their Counsels work from offices in Los Angeles, California, and other global locations. They handle issues related to content moderation, data privacy, and more. TikTok offers a creative and fast-paced work environment.


  8. ByteDance
    Average Salary: $250,375
    ByteDance, the innovative tech company behind TikTok, offers Counsel positions. Their Counsels are located in Beijing, China, and other key locations. They focus on intellectual property and data protection. Working at ByteDance means being part of a leading tech company with a global impact.


  9. TEEMA
    Average Salary: $247,368
    TEEMA, a renowned entertainment and media company, provides Counsel opportunities. Their Counsels work in major cities across the U.S. and internationally. They deal with legal matters related to content creation and distribution. TEEMA values creativity and innovation.


  10. Apple
    Average Salary: $242,812
    Apple, the iconic tech giant, offers excellent Counsel positions. Counsels work in Cupertino, California, and other locations worldwide. They handle a wide range of legal issues, from product development to intellectual property. Joining Apple means being part of a company that shapes the future of technology.

How to earn more as a Counsel?

Becoming a top-earning counsel involves a mix of strategic choices and consistent effort. To earn more, a counsel needs to enhance their skills and secure advanced positions. Staying updated with the latest laws and industry trends helps in making informed decisions. Networking with other professionals in the field opens up more opportunities for higher-paying roles.

Seeking out specialized areas of law can also lead to higher earnings. Counsels who focus on fields like intellectual property, tax law, or corporate law often command higher fees. Continuing education and gaining certifications in these specialties can make a counsel more valuable. Additionally, working for prestigious firms or companies with a strong reputation increases earning potential. Leading cases and taking on significant responsibilities can also result in higher compensation packages.

The following factors can help a counsel earn more:

  • Enhance legal skills through training and certifications
  • Network with industry professionals for new opportunities
  • Specialize in high-demand legal areas
  • Work for top firms or companies
  • Take on significant legal responsibilities and cases

Currently 665 Counsel job openings, nationwide.

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