As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Tax Counsel II in the United States is $151,690 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $73.
However, a Tax Counsel II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Tax 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 a Tax 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 Tax Counsel II | $146,174 |
| Intermediate Level Tax Counsel II | $146,675 |
| Senior Level Tax Counsel II | $151,690 |
| Specialist Level Tax Counsel II | $157,884 |
| Expert Level Tax Counsel II | $160,362 |
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 Tax Counsel IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 4.37% |
| Estate Planning | 2.67% |
| Blockchain | 2.24% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Child Support
|
$188,096 |
24%
|
|
Data Privacy
|
$180,511 |
19%
|
|
Intellectual Property
|
$178,994 |
18%
|
|
Commitment
|
$172,927 |
14%
|
|
Initiative
|
$162,308 |
7%
|
|
Employment Law
|
$162,308 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Tax 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 a Tax Counsel II with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $142,766 and $155,136).
Tax Counsel II Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.5% |
| High School | 1.5% |
| Associates | 1.5% |
| Bachelors | 3.0% |
| Masters | 6.0% |
| Doctorate | 88.1% |
Understanding how a Tax 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 a Tax Counsel II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Attorney, Senior - Taxes role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $212,500 - a projected growth of 40% over your current level.
Salaries for a Tax 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 Tax Counsel II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $150,139 |
| 2024 | $150,852 |
| 2025 | $145,935 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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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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