As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Counsel IV in the United States is $213,440 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $103.
However, a Counsel IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Counsel IV'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Counsel IV'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Counsel IV | $205,275 |
| Intermediate Level Counsel IV | $206,441 |
| Senior Level Counsel IV | $207,608 |
| Specialist Level Counsel IV | $209,941 |
| Expert Level Counsel IV | $219,469 |
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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 4.14% |
| Estate Planning | 2.78% |
| Blockchain | 2.28% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Cost Control
|
$286,010 |
34%
|
|
Data Privacy
|
$243,322 |
14%
|
|
Negotiating
|
$232,650 |
9%
|
|
Legal Advice
|
$228,381 |
7%
|
|
Leadership
|
$228,381 |
7%
|
|
Innovation
|
$226,246 |
6%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Counsel IVs enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Counsel IV with a No Diploma is between $176,172 and $189,370).
Counsel IV Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 100.0% |
| High School | 0.0% |
| Associates | 0.0% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 100.0% |
Understanding how a Counsel IV'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 January 01, 2026For a Counsel IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Lawyer V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $253,190 - a projected growth of 19% over your current level.
Salaries for a Counsel IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $174,547 in 2023 to around $169,646 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Counsel IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $174,547 |
| 2024 | $173,200 |
| 2025 | $169,646 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Counsel IV and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Counsel IV job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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New York leads the nation in lawyer salaries, with an impressive range. Counsel positions offer a minimum salary of $168,280, a mid-range salary of $191,850, and a maximum salary of $213,640. This makes New York the top state for legal professionals seeking high earnings.
Counselors in the US can expect a salary range from $168,280 to $213,640, with a median salary of approximately $191,850. This data reflects the typical earnings for Counselors, highlighting the potential for significant compensation in this field.
Licensed counselors and therapists both assist patients with similar issues, often providing comparable advice. However, a key distinction lies in their approach; therapists typically delve deeper, exploring the underlying reasons behind challenges. In terms of compensation, counselors can expect salaries ranging from $168,280 to $213,640, with a median salary of $191,850.
The highest-paid counselor position is the Chief Behavioral Health Officer, with a salary range between $168,280 and $213,640, averaging around $191,850 annually. The demand for mental health, substance abuse, and behavioral disorder counselors is projected to grow by 18% from 2022 to 2032, highlighting the importance of these roles.
A licensed mental health counselor in the USA typically earns between $168,280 and $213,640 annually, with a median salary of around $191,850. This reflects a significant increase compared to the average salary of $75,386 reported for counselors in general, highlighting the specialized nature of licensed mental health counseling.
Corporate and tax lawyers are among the highest earners in the US, with salaries ranging from $168,280 to $213,640. Patent and IP lawyers also command high salaries, while trial lawyers, especially in civil litigation, can earn similarly. Many lawyers prioritize justice over maximizing their income, but the financial rewards can be substantial.
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.)
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