As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Employment Counsel III in the United States is $149,810 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $72.
However, an Employment Counsel III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Employment 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Employment 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Employment Counsel III | $146,053 |
| Intermediate Level Employment Counsel III | $146,679 |
| Senior Level Employment Counsel III | $147,681 |
| Specialist Level Employment Counsel III | $150,876 |
| Expert Level Employment Counsel III | $156,209 |
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 3.89% |
| Cost Control | 3.26% |
| Blockchain | 2.19% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Estate Planning
|
$185,764 |
24%
|
|
Oral Communication
|
$176,776 |
18%
|
|
Critical Thinking
|
$167,787 |
12%
|
|
Legal Writing
|
$167,787 |
12%
|
|
Legal Research
|
$163,293 |
9%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$157,301 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Employment Counsel IIIs 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 III with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $151,842 and $165,806).
Employment Counsel III 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 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 January 01, 2026For an Employment Counsel III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Attorney, Specialist - Employment Law role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $179,200 - a projected growth of 20% over your current level.
Salaries for an Employment Counsel III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $170,064 in 2023 to around $151,396 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Employment Counsel III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $170,064 |
| 2024 | $155,611 |
| 2025 | $151,396 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Employment Counsel III and their salaries, click below for more details.
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To achieve a salary of $500k a year, lawyers can implement a strategic marketing approach. Focus on building a high-performance law firm website, creating valuable content, optimizing ads, enhancing client reviews, and managing your legal reputation. With the average salary for Employment Counsel ranging from $134,700 to $185,620, additional revenue streams or specialized services may be necessary to reach that goal.
Employment Counsel lawyers typically earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $134,700, a mid-range of $161,560, and a maximum of $185,620. While various legal specialties can command high salaries, Employment Counsel stands out due to its specialized knowledge in labor laws and regulations, making it a lucrative field within the legal profession.
Overall Compensation Overview: The average base salary for Employment Counsel is between $134,700 and $185,620, with a mid-salary of $161,560. Total compensation may vary based on bonuses and stock options, but these figures provide a solid benchmark for Employment Counsel salaries.
The highest salary for an Employment Counsel is $185,620 per year. The minimum salary is $134,700, while the mid-range salary is $161,560.
Employment lawyers in the US earn between $134,700 and $185,620 annually, with a median salary of $161,560. This translates to approximately $64.67 to $89.14 per hour, or $2,590 to $3,570 per week. The monthly earnings range from about $11,225 to $15,850, reflecting the diverse compensation in this field.
The highest paid general counsel in the S&P 500 last year was Kent Walker at Alphabet, with a total compensation of $27.3 million. In comparison, the salary range for Employment Counsel positions typically falls between $134,700 and $185,620, with a mid-salary of $161,560. This highlights the significant disparity in compensation for top legal executives.
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.
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