The salary of an Associate Legal Counsel in the United States varies depending on several factors, including experience, location, education level, marketing trend and company sizes.
As of March 01, 2025, the average annual salary for an Associate Legal Counsel in the United States is $278,900. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $247,300 to $316,200, with most professionals earning between $218,530 and $350,160.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $316,200 | $26,350 | $6,081 | $152 |
| Average | $278,900 | $23,242 | $5,363 | $134 |
| 25th Percentile | $247,300 | $20,608 | $4,756 | $119 |
An entry-level Associate Legal Counsel with less than 1 year of experience earns about $256,207. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $259,001. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $262,727. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $267,384, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $272,040.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Associate Legal Counsel | $256,207 |
| Intermediate Level Associate Legal Counsel | $259,001 |
| Senior Level Associate Legal Counsel | $262,727 |
| Specialist Level Associate Legal Counsel | $267,384 |
| Expert Level Associate Legal Counsel | $272,040 |
| Entry Level | 8% |
| Mid Level | 7% |
| Senior Level | 6% |
| Top Level | 4% |
| Experienced | 2% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of March 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Associate Legal Counsel compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $227,400 in 2023 to approximately $227,419 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Associate Legal Counsel salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Associate Legal Counsel information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Associate Legal Counsel job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Associate Legal Counsel and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $278,900 | 62.7% | ||
| Bonus | $68,500 | 15.4% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $15,491 | 3.5% | ||
| 401K/403B | $10,500 | 2.4% | ||
| Disability | $6,948 | 1.6% | ||
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 1.9% | ||
| Pension | $13,500 | 3.0% | ||
| Time Off | $42,757 | 9.6% | ||
| Total Compensation | $444,948 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| High School | 0.6% |
| Associates | 0.6% |
| Bachelors | 0.9% |
| Masters | 2.4% |
| Doctorate | 95.5% |
What Am I Worth?
While some lawyers can earn high salaries, the average salary for an Associate Legal Counsel ranges from $246,100 to $314,600, with a midpoint of $277,400. Therefore, it is possible for some lawyers to make $300,000 a year, especially in high-demand areas or specialized fields.
The highest title for a lawyer is typically that of a Law Firm Partner. Partners are integral to law firm management and business, combining extensive legal expertise with significant business acumen. In terms of compensation, Associate Legal Counsel positions offer salaries ranging from $246,100 to $314,600, reflecting the high stakes and responsibilities associated with top legal roles.
An associate legal counsel is a commissioned staff attorney who works under the supervision and direction of the legal counsel. The salary for this position typically ranges from a minimum of $246,100 to a maximum of $314,600, with a mid-range salary of approximately $277,400, reflecting the level of expertise and responsibility involved.
While the median salary for attorneys in the US is around $125,000, the highest-paid lawyers earn significantly more. For example, Associate Legal Counsel positions have salaries ranging from $246,100 to $314,600. The top 1% of attorneys, including those in specialized roles, can indeed make $500,000 or more annually.
The salary for an Associate Legal Counsel ranges from $246,100 to $314,600, with a mid-point of $277,400. This positions them among the higher earners in the legal field, surpassing many specialized roles such as patent and corporate attorneys.
The highest legal advisor in India is the Attorney General, who serves as the chief legal advisor to the Government of India. This position is appointed by the President and holds significant responsibilities. The salary for an Associate Legal Counsel in similar roles ranges from a minimum of ₹246,100 to a maximum of ₹314,600, with a mid-range salary of ₹277,400.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
