Overview Salaries

General Counsel Salaries

Updated on Jun 10, 2026
Position
Salary

How much does a General Counsel make?

The average salary for a General Counsel is $194,949 per year in the US.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for General Counsel positions, showing an average salary of $194,949 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for General Counsel positions, showing an average salary of $194,949 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for General Counsel positions, showing an average salary of $194,949 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for General Counsel positions, showing an average salary of $194,949 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

General Counsel positions offer competitive salaries that reflect the critical role they play in organizations. On average, General Counsels make about $194,949 per year. This salary range can vary based on several factors such as experience, industry, and company size.


Experienced General Counsels often see higher salaries. For example, those in the top 10% earn over $450,000 a year. Here’s a breakdown of the salary distribution:

  • 13.41% earn between $87,300 and $127,909
  • 22.98% earn between $127,909 and $168,518
  • 27.69% earn between $168,518 and $209,127
  • 15.83% earn between $209,127 and $249,736
  • 8.88% earn between $249,736 and $290,345
  • 2.39% earn between $290,345 and $330,955
  • 1.01% earn between $330,955 and $371,564
  • 0.48% earn between $371,564 and $412,173
  • 0.23% earn between $412,173 and $452,782
  • 0.12% earn between $452,782 and $493,391
  • 1.98% earn over $493,391
These figures show a clear path for career growth and financial rewards as one gains more experience.

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What are the highest paying cities for a General Counsel?

Job seekers interested in General Counsel roles can find some of the highest salaries in Boulder, CO, where the average pay reaches nearly $279,000. Albany, NY, and Stamford, CT, follow closely behind with average salaries around $245,000 and $245,000 respectively. Major cities like San Francisco, CA, and Washington, DC, also offer competitive compensation for General Counsel positions, with averages surpassing $230,000.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for General Counsel jobs, highlighting Boulder, CO with the highest at $278,573 and Charleston, SC with the lowest at $220,917.

  1. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $278,573
    Boulder offers a vibrant environment for legal professionals, with a focus on sustainability and technology. Companies here seek legal minds that can navigate complex regulatory landscapes. Boulder's top firms provide excellent opportunities for growth and innovation.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Boulder, CO


  2. Albany, NY
    Average Salary: $246,200
    Albany is a hub for legal work, especially in government and finance. The city's historic institutions and modern firms create a unique blend of opportunities. Legal professionals here often deal with legislative matters and have access to cutting-edge technology.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Albany, NY


  3. Stamford, CT
    Average Salary: $244,958
    Stamford attracts top legal talent with its proximity to New York City and a strong presence of major corporations. The city offers a dynamic work environment where legal professionals tackle complex issues. Stamford's business-friendly atmosphere supports career advancement.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Stamford, CT


  4. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $241,170
    San Francisco is known for its innovative tech companies and vibrant legal scene. Working here means dealing with high-stakes cases and cutting-edge tech issues. The city offers a diverse and stimulating environment for legal experts.
    Find General Counsel jobs in San Francisco, CA


  5. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $239,794
    Baltimore provides a rich legal landscape with a mix of public and private sector opportunities. The city's diverse industries, from healthcare to finance, offer unique challenges. Legal professionals here can find rewarding careers with room for growth.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Baltimore, MD


  6. Tallahassee, FL
    Average Salary: $239,709
    Tallahassee, as the state capital, offers a unique legal environment focused on government and policy. Working here means dealing with legislative issues and state regulations. The city provides a stable and fulfilling career path for legal experts.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Tallahassee, FL


  7. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $231,664
    Washington, DC, is a bustling center for legal work, especially in government and international relations. The city offers a dynamic and fast-paced environment with numerous opportunities for impact. Legal professionals here engage with high-profile cases and issues.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Washington, DC


  8. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $231,209
    Sacramento serves as a key location for legal work, particularly in state government and legislation. The city offers a rewarding environment for those interested in public service and policy. Legal professionals here can influence major decisions and initiatives.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Sacramento, CA


  9. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $229,177
    Los Angeles provides a vibrant and diverse environment for legal professionals, with opportunities in entertainment, tech, and more. The city's dynamic industries offer a range of challenges and growth opportunities. Legal work here is both exciting and impactful.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  10. Charleston, SC
    Average Salary: $220,917
    Charleston offers a charming and historic setting for legal work, with a mix of local and national firms. The city's warm climate and rich culture provide a unique backdrop for a legal career. Opportunities here range from maritime law to general practice.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Charleston, SC

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

General Counsel roles at KPMG offer the highest average salary, reaching nearly $583,126. This position presents a significant opportunity for legal professionals looking to maximize their earnings. Freddie Mac and Google follow closely, with average salaries exceeding $258,000, making these companies attractive choices for top-tier legal talent. Each of these companies values strong legal oversight and corporate governance, offering competitive compensation packages. Job seekers should consider these options for roles that offer both prestige and excellent financial rewards. The demand for skilled General Counsel positions in these firms is high, promising both stability and growth opportunities.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for General Counsel jobs, highlighting KPMG with the highest at $583,126 and Alvarez & Marsal with the lowest at $210,000.

  1. KPMG
    Average Salary: $583,126
    KPMG offers a dynamic role for General Counsel with offices across the globe. They handle complex legal matters and provide strategic advice. KPMG operates in many countries, including the US, UK, and Canada.


  2. Freddie Mac
    Average Salary: $281,636
    Freddie Mac provides an excellent opportunity for General Counsel to work with significant regulatory issues. This role involves advising on legal matters for mortgage financing. The company operates in the United States.


  3. Google
    Average Salary: $263,796
    At Google, General Counsel deals with cutting-edge technology and privacy issues. They work to protect the company’s innovations and ensure compliance with laws. Google has offices worldwide, including the US, Europe, and Asia.


  4. Northrop Grumman
    Average Salary: $258,291
    Northrop Grumman offers General Counsel a chance to work in the defense and aerospace sectors. They handle legal issues related to government contracts and international trade. The company operates in the US and internationally.


  5. AbbVie
    Average Salary: $242,188
    AbbVie provides a rewarding role for General Counsel in the biotech industry. They focus on intellectual property and regulatory compliance. AbbVie has a global presence, with offices in the US and Europe.


  6. Elevance Health
    Average Salary: $240,173
    Elevance Health offers General Counsel a chance to work in the health sector. They handle legal matters related to healthcare policies and regulations. The company operates in the United States.


  7. FINRA
    Average Salary: $236,565
    FINRA offers General Counsel an opportunity to work in the financial sector. They handle regulatory issues and ensure compliance with financial laws. FINRA operates in the United States.


  8. Latitude
    Average Salary: $222,826
    At Latitude, General Counsel works in the finance and insurance sectors. They handle legal matters related to lending and financial services. The company operates in the United States.


  9. Providence
    Average Salary: $212,004
    Providence offers General Counsel a chance to work in the healthcare sector. They handle legal issues related to patient care and healthcare policies. The company operates in the United States.


  10. Alvarez & Marsal
    Average Salary: $210,000
    Alvarez & Marsal provides General Counsel with a role in financial restructuring and advisory services. They handle legal matters related to corporate restructuring. The company operates in the United States and internationally.

How to earn more as a General Counsel?

Increasing earnings as a General Counsel can happen by focusing on certain key factors. Prioritizing these elements will help create opportunities for career growth and higher compensation. Building a solid reputation in the legal field is vital. This involves consistently delivering high-quality work and maintaining strong relationships with clients and peers. The right expertise and experience can make a significant difference in earning potential. Specializing in high-demand areas such as mergers and acquisitions or intellectual property law often leads to higher-paying positions.

Networking plays a crucial role in advancing a career as a General Counsel. Attending industry conferences, joining professional associations, and connecting with other legal professionals can open doors to new job opportunities. Staying current with legal trends and advancements in the field ensures that a General Counsel remains competitive. Continuing education and obtaining relevant certifications can enhance skills and marketability. Employers often value attorneys who show a commitment to ongoing learning. Effective negotiation skills can also lead to higher salaries and better benefits. Understanding the value of one’s experience and expertise allows for more confident salary negotiations.

Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a General Counsel:

  1. Build a strong reputation: Consistently deliver high-quality work and maintain good relationships.
  2. Specialize in high-demand areas: Focus on fields like mergers and acquisitions or intellectual property law.
  3. Network effectively: Attend conferences and join professional associations to connect with industry peers.
  4. Stay current with legal trends: Continue education and obtain relevant certifications to enhance skills.
  5. Develop strong negotiation skills: Understand the value of your expertise to negotiate better salaries.

Currently 391 General Counsel job openings, nationwide.

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General Counsel
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