As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Employment Counsel II in the United States is $122,780 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.
However, an Employment Counsel II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Employment Counsel II'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 II'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 II | $118,436 |
| Intermediate Level Employment Counsel II | $118,831 |
| Senior Level Employment Counsel II | $122,780 |
| Specialist Level Employment Counsel II | $127,593 |
| Expert Level Employment Counsel II | $129,519 |
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 IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 5.3% |
| Legal Advice | 2.61% |
| Billing | 2.07% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Blockchain
|
$130,147 |
6%
|
|
Oral Communication
|
$130,147 |
6%
|
|
Hard Working
|
$128,919 |
5%
|
|
Legal Advice
|
$126,463 |
3%
|
|
Negotiating
|
$126,463 |
3%
|
|
Innovation
|
$126,463 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Employment Counsel IIs 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 II with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $132,580 and $147,869).
Employment Counsel II Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.3% |
| High School | 96.7% |
| Associates | 0.0% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 3.3% |
| Doctorate | 96.7% |
Understanding how an Employment Counsel II'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 II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Attorney, Senior - Employment Law role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $149,900 - a projected growth of 22% over your current level.
Salaries for an Employment Counsel II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $150,139 in 2023 to around $145,935 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Employment Counsel II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $150,139 |
| 2024 | $150,756 |
| 2025 | $145,935 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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