Overview Salaries

General Counsel Salaries

Updated on Jan 12, 2026
Position
Salary

How much does a General Counsel make?

The average salary for a General Counsel is $190,201 per year in the US.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for General Counsel positions, showing an average salary of $190,201 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for General Counsel positions, showing an average salary of $190,201 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for General Counsel positions, showing an average salary of $190,201 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for General Counsel positions, showing an average salary of $190,201 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

General Counsels play a key role in organizations. They handle legal matters and ensure companies follow laws. This important work comes with a good salary. On average, General Counsels make about $190,201 a year. This can vary based on experience and the size of the company they work for.


Here’s a closer look at General Counsel salaries:

  • The lowest 10% earn about $87,250 a year.
  • The middle 20% make between $127,864 and $168,477 a year.
  • The next 20% earn between $168,477 and $209,091 a year.
  • The top 10% make more than $371,545 a year.
  • The very top earner can make over $534,000 a year.
The job of a General Counsel is rewarding, both in salary and in responsibility.

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What are the highest paying cities for a General Counsel?

If you want a high salary as a General Counsel, consider looking in Boulder, CO, where the average pay is very good. The pay in Baton Rouge, LA, is also very competitive, offering a great chance for professionals. Look to cities like San Francisco, CA, and Washington, DC, for even higher earnings and exciting opportunities. Albany, NY, and Stamford, CT, provide robust salaries with fewer crowds and costs than larger cities. Charleston, SC, and Sacramento, CA, offer attractive packages along with a pleasant lifestyle. Salt Lake City, UT, presents a lower cost of living with good pay. Each of these cities offers a balance of salary and living standards.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for General Counsel jobs, highlighting Boulder, CO with the highest at $299,184 and Salt Lake City, UT with the lowest at $217,653.

  1. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $299,184
    In Boulder, you'll find a thriving tech scene and a community that values innovation. Companies like Salesforce and MongoDB offer dynamic environments for legal professionals. The cost of living is high, but the job market is strong.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Boulder, CO


  2. Baton Rouge, LA
    Average Salary: $254,140
    Baton Rouge hosts a mix of government and private sector jobs. Companies like Entergy and Chevron provide opportunities for legal expertise. The city's laid-back atmosphere makes it a pleasant place to work.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Baton Rouge, LA


  3. Albany, NY
    Average Salary: $240,888
    Albany is known for its political and legal activities. With organizations like the New York State Government and large firms, it's a hub for legal work. The city offers a historic charm with a balance of work and leisure.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Albany, NY


  4. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $238,539
    San Francisco is home to many tech giants like Google and Facebook. Legal professionals here deal with complex issues in a fast-paced environment. The city offers a vibrant culture and high living costs.
    Find General Counsel jobs in San Francisco, CA


  5. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $230,682
    Washington, DC, is a center for political and legal work. Companies like Lockheed Martin and large law firms offer exciting opportunities. The city's rich history adds depth to the professional experience.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Washington, DC


  6. Stamford, CT
    Average Salary: $230,352
    Stamford boasts a strong financial sector with companies like UBS and General Electric. Legal professionals here often work on corporate matters. The area is well-connected, making commuting easy.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Stamford, CT


  7. Tallahassee, FL
    Average Salary: $223,466
    Tallahassee is known for its governmental roles and educational institutions. Legal jobs here focus on public sector work. The city offers a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Tallahassee, FL


  8. Charleston, SC
    Average Salary: $220,917
    Charleston combines a historic setting with a growing job market. Companies in finance and tourism offer diverse legal opportunities. The city's charm and lower cost of living are big draws.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Charleston, SC


  9. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $220,438
    Sacramento is a political hub with a mix of public and private sectors. Legal jobs here often involve government regulations. The city offers a laid-back lifestyle and beautiful parks.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Sacramento, CA


  10. Salt Lake City, UT
    Average Salary: $217,653
    Salt Lake City offers a mix of government and corporate legal jobs. Companies like Zions Bank and Zions Financial are prominent here. The city's natural beauty and outdoor activities enhance the work-life balance.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Salt Lake City, UT

What are the best companies a General Counsel can work for?

KPMG, PwC, and Wells Fargo offer some of the highest salaries for General Counsel positions. KPMG leads the pack with an average salary of over $580,000. PwC and Wells Fargo follow closely, providing competitive compensation packages. These companies recognize the value of expert legal counsel and reward it generously. Other notable companies include Freddie Mac, Google, and Northrop Grumman, which also offer attractive salaries for General Counsel roles. These organizations understand the importance of strong legal guidance in achieving their business goals. Job seekers should consider these companies for potential career growth and financial benefits.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for General Counsel jobs, highlighting KPMG with the highest at $583,126 and Alterra Mountain Company with the lowest at $200,308.

  1. KPMG
    Average Salary: $583,126
    KPMG is a leading global network of professional services. General Counsel jobs at KPMG span multiple sectors, including audit, tax, and advisory services. The company operates worldwide, with major offices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.


  2. PwC
    Average Salary: $309,794
    PwC is an international professional services firm. General Counsel roles here involve legal support across various industries. PwC has significant presences in the U.S., UK, and Asia.


  3. Wells Fargo
    Average Salary: $283,357
    Wells Fargo is a major financial services company. General Counsel jobs here focus on banking, finance, and regulatory compliance. The company operates in many U.S. states and globally.


  4. Freddie Mac
    Average Salary: $280,333
    Freddie Mac is a government-sponsored enterprise. General Counsel roles here involve mortgage-related legal issues. The company operates primarily in the U.S.


  5. Google
    Average Salary: $270,000
    Google is a leading tech company. General Counsel jobs here cover many areas, including privacy, litigation, and intellectual property. Google has offices worldwide.


  6. Northrop Grumman
    Average Salary: $255,355
    Northrop Grumman is a defense and aerospace company. General Counsel roles here focus on compliance and regulatory issues. The company operates globally.


  7. Elevance Health
    Average Salary: $238,862
    Elevance Health is a health benefits organization. General Counsel jobs here cover many areas, including compliance and risk management. The company operates nationwide in the U.S.


  8. Latitude
    Average Salary: $216,249
    Latitude is a financial services firm. General Counsel roles here focus on regulatory and compliance issues. The company operates primarily in the U.S.


  9. Edward Jones
    Average Salary: $205,451
    Edward Jones is a financial services company. General Counsel jobs here cover many areas, including compliance and litigation. The company operates nationwide in the U.S.


  10. Alterra Mountain Company
    Average Salary: $200,308
    Alterra Mountain Company owns and operates ski resorts. General Counsel roles here cover many areas, including real estate and environmental issues. The company operates ski resorts in the U.S. and Canada.

How to earn more as a General Counsel?

Becoming a General Counsel involves managing legal matters for a company. Job seekers looking to earn more in this role can focus on several key factors. Enhancing skills and expanding experience often lead to higher earnings. Networking with other professionals in the legal field can open new job opportunities. Pursuing advanced degrees or certifications can also boost earning potential. Staying updated on industry trends helps in making informed legal decisions. Additionally, taking on leadership roles within the company can increase responsibility and salary.

A General Counsel who takes proactive steps can increase their salary. Building a strong professional reputation can attract higher-paying job offers. Specialization in a niche area of law can make a candidate more valuable. Effective negotiation skills during job interviews can secure better compensation packages. Continuous learning and development in legal practices ensure a General Counsel remains competitive in the job market. These factors contribute to a successful career and higher earnings for General Counsels.

Here are up to five factors to consider:

  1. Enhance skills and experience
  2. Network with legal professionals
  3. Pursue advanced degrees or certifications
  4. Stay updated on industry trends
  5. Take on leadership roles within the company

Currently 423 General Counsel job openings, nationwide.

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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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General Counsel
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