As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Employment Counsel I in the United States is $93,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.
However, an Employment Counsel I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Employment Counsel I'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 an Employment Counsel I'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 Employment Counsel I | $92,899 |
| Intermediate Level Employment Counsel I | $94,009 |
| Senior Level Employment Counsel I | $95,579 |
| Specialist Level Employment Counsel I | $95,893 |
| Expert Level Employment Counsel I | $96,102 |
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 Employment Counsel Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Negotiating | 4.87% |
| Employment Law | 3.09% |
| Case Management | 1.77% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Teamwork
|
$130,382 |
39%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$129,444 |
38%
|
|
Corporate Governance
|
$129,444 |
38%
|
|
Data Privacy
|
$127,568 |
36%
|
|
Leadership
|
$125,692 |
34%
|
|
Intellectual Property
|
$121,940 |
30%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Employment Counsel Is enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Employment Counsel I with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $94,949 and $101,482).
Employment Counsel I 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 an Employment Counsel I'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 an Employment Counsel I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Attorney, Experienced - Employment Law role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $122,800 - a projected growth of 31% over your current level.
Salaries for an Employment Counsel I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $111,547 in 2023 to around $108,812 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Employment Counsel I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $111,547 |
| 2024 | $110,487 |
| 2025 | $108,812 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Employment Counsel I and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Among the highest-paid lawyers, Employment Counsel stands out with a salary range from $81,300 to $108,440, with a median salary of $98,420. Other well-compensated legal fields include intellectual property, corporate, and tax attorneys, reflecting the diverse opportunities within the legal profession.
The salary for Employment Counsel ranges from $81,300 to $108,440, with a mid-salary of $98,420. This indicates that while some corporate lawyers may earn below this range, the highest salary for an Employment Counsel can reach up to $108,440, reflecting the potential earnings in this field.
Lawyers can indeed make 7 figures, but it's relatively rare. According to salary data for Employment Counsel, the salary range is between $81,300 and $108,440, with a mid-salary of $98,420. While most attorneys earn less, top earners in prestigious firms or specialized fields can exceed $1 million annually.
While CEO positions are often considered the highest paying jobs globally, Employment Counsel roles also offer competitive salaries. The minimum salary for an Employment Counsel is $81,300, with a mid-range salary of $98,420 and a maximum of $108,440. These professionals play a crucial role in managing legal aspects related to employment within organizations.
A lawyer is a general term for someone qualified to practice law, while legal counsel is a specific type of lawyer who offers advice and assistance on legal matters. Employment Counsel typically earns between $81,300 and $108,440, with a mid-salary of $98,420, reflecting their specialized role in providing legal guidance.
Yes, while top-earning lawyers can make over $1 million annually, most Employment Counsel earn between $81,300 and $108,440. To reach higher income levels, exploring additional revenue streams is essential. A lawyer's salary can be substantial, but relying solely on it, especially as a non-partner, may not suffice to achieve millionaire status.
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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