As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a General Counsel in Illinois is $371,034 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $178.
However, a General Counsel's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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General Counsel Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $405,768 | $33,814 | $7,803 | $195 |
| Average | $371,034 | $30,920 | $7,135 | $178 |
| 25th Percentile | $333,870 | $27,822 | $6,421 | $161 |
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A General Counsel'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a General Counsel'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Managing Attorney | 5+ years | $221,922 |
| Assistant General Counsel | 5+ years | $255,846 |
| Associate General Counsel | 5+ years | $298,022 |
| General Counsel | 5+ years | $371,034 |
| Chief Legal Officer | 5+ years | $469,840 |
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 General Counsels. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Understanding how a General Counsel'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $405,768 | $33,814 | $7,803 | $195 |
| Average | $371,034 | $30,920 | $7,135 | $178 |
| 25th Percentile | $333,870 | $27,822 | $6,421 | $161 |
For a General Counsel, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Chief Legal Officer role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $469,840 - a projected growth of 27% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current General Counsel job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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