As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Counsel III in South Dakota is $170,563 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $82.
However, a Counsel III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Counsel III's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Counsel III's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Lawyer I | 0-2 years | $90,920 |
| Lawyer II | 2-4 years | $120,707 |
| Counsel III | 4-7 years | $170,549 |
| Lawyer IV | 7+ years | $194,181 |
| Lawyer V | 7-10 years | $230,473 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Counsel IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Counsel III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $190,935. While startup companies pay approximate $161,527.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $161,527 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $170,834 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $184,382 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $190,935 |
For Counsel III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Counsel positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Counsel III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $221,732 | $107.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $213,204 | $103.0 | 25% |
| Software & Networking | $213,204 | $103.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $204,676 | $98.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $196,147 | $94.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Counsel III's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026For a Counsel III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Lawyer IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $194,200 - a projected growth of 14% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Counsel III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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