Overview Salaries

Counsel Salaries

Updated on Apr 10, 2026
Position
Salary

How much does a Counsel make?

The average salary for a Counsel is $154,517 per year in the US.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Counsel positions, showing an average salary of $154,517 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Counsel positions, showing an average salary of $154,517 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Counsel positions, showing an average salary of $154,517 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Counsel positions, showing an average salary of $154,517 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Counselors often earn a rewarding salary that reflects their expertise and dedication. The average yearly salary for a counselor stands at approximately $154,517. This wide range of earnings illustrates the potential for career growth and specialization in this field. From entry-level positions to seasoned professionals, the compensation scales accordingly.

Here is a look at how salaries break down across different experience levels:

  • Entry-level counselors: Around $39,729 per year
  • Mid-career counselors: About $183,059 per year
  • Senior-level counselors: Up to $302,500 per year

These figures highlight the financial rewards that come with gaining experience and advancing in the counseling profession. Counselors can expect their income to increase as they build their career.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Counsel?

Counsel jobs offer great opportunities in many cities. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose lead in average salary, with high-paying roles available. Cities like Stamford, Washington, and Seattle also provide competitive pay packages for legal professionals. Seeking a Counsel role in these cities can lead to rewarding career prospects. Candidates can expect to find strong earning potential. Locations like Chicago, San Diego, Sacramento, and Austin also have attractive salary ranges for legal experts.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Counsel jobs, highlighting Los Angeles, CA with the highest at $216,181 and Austin, TX with the lowest at $162,865.

  1. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $216,181
    In Los Angeles, legal professionals thrive in a diverse environment with numerous tech and entertainment giants. Companies like Warner Bros. and Disney offer unique opportunities to work on high-profile cases. The dynamic market ensures a steady flow of challenging and rewarding legal work.
    Find Counsel jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $208,761
    San Francisco boasts a vibrant legal scene, driven by tech companies such as Google and Facebook. Counsel here navigate complex intellectual property and employment issues. The city's innovative culture makes for an exciting and dynamic workplace.
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  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $197,840
    San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, offers counsel an opportunity to work with leading tech firms. Companies like Apple and Intel present unique legal challenges. The tech-centric environment fosters growth and innovation for legal professionals.
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  4. Stamford, CT
    Average Salary: $196,950
    Stamford offers a prestigious legal environment with major corporations like GE and Charter Communications. Counsel here deal with diverse legal matters, from corporate governance to complex litigation. The city's prestigious law firms provide a robust platform for career advancement.
    Find Counsel jobs in Stamford, CT


  5. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $188,727
    In Washington, DC, counsel work in a political and legal hub with prominent organizations such as the U.S. Department of Justice. The city offers unique opportunities to engage with high-stakes cases and policy-making. The dynamic political environment makes for an engaging and impactful legal career.
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  6. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $178,532
    Seattle's legal market, influenced by companies like Amazon and Microsoft, offers a mix of tech and traditional sectors. Counsel here handle a variety of cases, from tech patents to labor disputes. The city’s progressive culture supports a forward-thinking legal approach.
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  7. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $175,588
    San Diego provides a vibrant legal scene with a mix of defense, aerospace, and biotech companies. Legal professionals here work on a range of issues from environmental law to corporate litigation. The city’s laid-back atmosphere makes for a balanced work-life dynamic.
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  8. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $175,003
    Chicago offers a rich legal landscape with major firms and corporations such as Boeing and Goldman Sachs. Counsel here navigate a variety of complex cases, from white-collar crime to real estate disputes. The city’s deep-rooted legal tradition ensures a robust and respected legal environment.
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  9. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $166,855
    Sacramento’s legal professionals work in a mix of government and private sectors. The city’s role as the state capital provides unique opportunities to influence policy and law. Counsel here handle a diverse range of cases, from environmental to public interest matters.
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  10. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $162,865
    Austin’s legal scene is vibrant with a mix of tech and healthcare sectors. Companies like Dell and 3M present unique challenges. The city’s innovative spirit and strong economy provide a dynamic and growing environment for legal professionals.
    Find Counsel jobs in Austin, TX

What are the best companies a Counsel can work for?

KPMG stands out with an impressive average salary for Counsel roles at $303,000. This firm offers a competitive compensation package and a dynamic work environment. Another top choice is OpenAI, where Counsel jobs pay an average of $291,750. This company provides a chance to work at the forefront of technology and innovation. Waymo offers an average Counsel salary of $278,083, placing it among the best in the industry. This company is known for its pioneering work in autonomous vehicles. Norton Rose Fulbright provides Counsel positions with an average salary of $265,000, reflecting its strong reputation in legal services. Jackson Lewis also stands out, offering Counsel roles with an average salary of $263,765. These companies provide lucrative opportunities for those seeking a rewarding career in law.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Counsel jobs, highlighting KPMG with the highest at $303,000 and Apple with the lowest at $243,041.

  1. KPMG
    Average Salary: $303,000
    KPMG offers rewarding Counsel jobs in many locations. This global firm operates in multiple countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. KPMG provides a dynamic work environment. It fosters professional growth for its Counsels.


  2. OpenAI
    Average Salary: $291,750
    OpenAI, based in San Francisco, California, is a leader in artificial intelligence. It offers attractive salaries for Counsels. This tech company promotes innovation and collaboration. It provides an excellent platform for Counsels to work on cutting-edge projects.


  3. Waymo
    Average Salary: $278,083
    Waymo, an Alphabet company, is at the forefront of autonomous vehicle technology. With headquarters in Mountain View, California, it offers competitive salaries for Counsels. Waymo provides a challenging and forward-thinking environment. It focuses on making transportation safer and more efficient.


  4. Norton Rose Fulbright
    Average Salary: $265,000
    Norton Rose Fulbright is a global law firm with offices in over 40 countries. It offers well-paying Counsel jobs. The firm is known for its strong client service and diverse practice areas. It provides a rich environment for professional development.


  5. Jackson Lewis
    Average Salary: $263,765
    Jackson Lewis is a leading law firm specializing in employment and labor law. It offers competitive salaries for Counsels. With offices across the United States, the firm provides dynamic work opportunities. It is committed to excellent client service and professional growth.


  6. TikTok
    Average Salary: $251,502
    TikTok, a popular social media platform, offers exciting opportunities for Counsels. Based in Los Angeles, California, it provides a creative and fast-paced environment. TikTok values innovation and diversity, making it an attractive place for Counsels to work.


  7. ByteDance
    Average Salary: $250,375
    ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, offers promising career opportunities for Counsels. Based in Beijing, China, it operates globally and provides a competitive salary. ByteDance fosters a culture of creativity and innovation, ideal for ambitious Counsels.


  8. TEEMA
    Average Salary: $249,783
    TEEMA is a prominent law firm based in Beirut, Lebanon. It offers rewarding Counsel jobs with a competitive salary. The firm is known for its strong expertise in various legal fields. It provides a supportive and professional environment for its employees.


  9. Roblox
    Average Salary: $248,323
    Roblox, the innovative gaming platform, offers attractive salaries for Counsels. Based in San Mateo, California, it provides a vibrant and creative work environment. Roblox is dedicated to providing a fun and engaging experience for its users and employees alike.


  10. Apple
    Average Salary: $243,041
    Apple, the tech giant, offers well-paying Counsel jobs. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, it provides a cutting-edge and innovative environment. Apple is known for its commitment to excellence and creativity, making it a great place for Counsels to thrive.

How to earn more as a Counsel?

Aiming to boost your earnings as a Counsel involves several strategic actions. With the right approach, Counsel can significantly increase their income. Understanding market trends, honing skills, and networking effectively are key components. These steps not only enhance your professional value but also open up new opportunities for advancement.

Here are some important factors to consider:

  1. Continuous Learning: Always seek to update your knowledge and skills. This includes attending workshops and taking relevant courses. Staying current with legal trends and technologies can set you apart.
  2. Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Focusing on niche areas of law where demand is high can lead to better job offers and higher pay. Specialization can make you more attractive to employers seeking expertise in specific fields.
  3. Build a Strong Network: Connecting with other professionals in your field can lead to job opportunities and career growth. Attend industry events and join professional organizations to expand your network.
  4. Negotiating Skills: Be prepared to negotiate your salary and benefits. Understand your market value and don’t hesitate to advocate for your worth. Effective negotiation can lead to higher earnings.
  5. Experience and Reputation: Gaining experience and building a solid reputation in the legal community can lead to higher-paying positions. Client recommendations and a strong track record of successful cases can enhance your earning potential.

Currently 662 Counsel job openings, nationwide.

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