General Counsel Salaries

Position

Salary

How much does a General Counsel make?

The average salary for a General Counsel is $180,897 per year in the US.

Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for General Counsel positions, showing an average salary of $180,897 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for General Counsel positions, showing an average salary of $180,897 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for General Counsel positions, showing an average salary of $180,897 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for General Counsel positions, showing an average salary of $180,897 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

General Counsel roles offer a rewarding career path with competitive salaries. On average, General Counsel earn about $180,897 per year. This figure can vary based on experience, industry, and company size. Many General Counsel find themselves in the middle of the salary range, which spans from $140,264 to $220,009 annually.

The salary distribution shows that the majority of General Counsel earn between $140,264 and $246,591 per year. This range reflects the diverse responsibilities and the high level of expertise required in these positions. For those at the top of the scale, salaries can exceed $300,000, highlighting the potential for significant earnings in this field. Job seekers can expect to see a steady increase in salary as they gain more experience and take on higher-level responsibilities.

What are the highest paying cities for a General Counsel?

General Counsel positions offer high salaries in several cities. San Francisco, CA, leads with an average salary of $236,212. Other top-paying cities include Washington, DC, and Charleston, SC, where General Counsels earn around $228,935 and $220,917, respectively. These cities provide excellent opportunities for those seeking rewarding legal careers.

Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for General Counsel jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $236,212 and Sacramento, CA with the lowest at $200,177.

San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $236,212
In San Francisco, legal professionals thrive in the tech hub. With companies like Google and Salesforce, the role involves navigating complex tech law. The city offers a dynamic environment for legal experts.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $228,935
Washington, DC, is a hub for political and legal activity. Working here, you'll deal with federal regulations and major corporations. The city's influence makes it a key place for legal careers.
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Charleston, SC
Average Salary: $220,917
Charleston offers a blend of history and modern business. Legal roles here often involve maritime and environmental law. The city's charm adds to the professional experience.
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Albany, NY
Average Salary: $215,881
Albany is the capital of New York, rich in legal history. Working here, you'll engage with state government and large corporations. The city's political atmosphere is ideal for legal careers.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $209,984
San Jose is at the heart of Silicon Valley. Legal professionals here support tech companies. The fast-paced environment demands quick thinking and adaptability.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $209,743
Los Angeles offers a diverse legal landscape. With entertainment and tech industries, the role involves varied legal challenges. The city's vibrant culture enriches the professional experience.
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Baton Rouge, LA
Average Salary: $206,503
Baton Rouge is a center for energy and legal services. Working here, you'll find a mix of corporate and government law. The city's unique culture adds to the job experience.
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Salt Lake City, UT
Average Salary: $201,974
Salt Lake City offers a growing tech scene. Legal roles here involve startups and established companies. The city's environment is supportive for career growth.
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Stamford, CT
Average Salary: $201,558
Stamford is a financial hub with many large corporations. Legal professionals here deal with finance and corporate law. The city offers a stable and professional environment.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $200,177
Sacramento is California's capital, rich in legal opportunities. Working here, you'll engage with state government and local businesses. The city's political focus adds to the professional experience.
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What are the best companies a General Counsel can work for?

KPMG leads the way for General Counsel jobs, offering an average salary of $534,000. PwC and Wells Fargo follow closely, with average salaries of $309,300 and $283,357, respectively. Freddie Mac, Google, and Northrop Grumman also provide competitive salaries, making them attractive options for legal professionals.

Graph displaying best paying company salaries for General Counsel jobs, highlighting KPMG with the highest at $534,000 and CyberCoders with the lowest at $206,538.

KPMG
Average Salary: $534,000
KPMG offers General Counsel roles with a focus on providing advisory services. KPMG operates globally, with major offices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
PwC
Average Salary: $309,300
At PwC, General Counsel positions involve legal oversight and risk management. The company has a strong presence in the U.S., UK, and other key markets.
Wells Fargo
Average Salary: $283,357
Wells Fargo provides General Counsel roles with a focus on financial services law. The company operates across the U.S. with numerous branches.
Freddie Mac
Average Salary: $280,714
Freddie Mac offers General Counsel jobs that focus on mortgage-related legal matters. The company operates nationwide in the U.S.
Google
Average Salary: $270,000
Google provides General Counsel roles with a focus on tech and privacy law. The company has offices worldwide, including the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Northrop Grumman
Average Salary: $253,715
Northrop Grumman offers General Counsel positions with a focus on defense and aerospace law. The company operates globally with a strong presence in the U.S.
Elevance Health
Average Salary: $239,315
Elevance Health provides General Counsel roles with a focus on healthcare law. The company operates across the U.S.
Latitude
Average Salary: $214,289
Latitude offers General Counsel jobs with a focus on financial technology. The company operates in the U.S. and Europe.
ServiceNow
Average Salary: $214,259
ServiceNow provides General Counsel roles with a focus on enterprise software law. The company operates globally with a strong presence in the U.S.
CyberCoders
Average Salary: $206,538
CyberCoders offers General Counsel positions with a focus on tech and cybersecurity law. The company operates across the U.S.

How to earn more as a General Counsel?

Becoming a General Counsel can lead to a rewarding career. To earn more, focus on key areas that can boost your salary. Experience and expertise are crucial. Working in larger firms or diverse industries can increase earning potential. Specializing in high-demand areas like technology or finance can also lead to higher pay.

Networking and professional development play a significant role. Attending industry conferences and joining legal associations can open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Building a strong reputation and gaining recognition in the field can lead to promotions and salary increases. Continuous education and certifications can enhance your skills and marketability. Staying updated on legal trends and advancements ensures you remain competitive.

Consider these factors to increase your earning potential as a General Counsel:

Gain experience in high-demand areas.
Network and build professional relationships.
Attend industry conferences and join associations.
Pursue continuous education and certifications.
Stay updated on legal trends and advancements.

General Counsel Salaries

How much does a General Counsel make?

What are the highest paying cities for a General Counsel?

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

How to earn more as a General Counsel?

Currently 502 General Counsel job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a General Counsel in the US?

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