As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a General Counsel in South Dakota is $331,399 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $159.
However, a General Counsel's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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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 | $197,975 |
| Assistant General Counsel | 5+ years | $228,380 |
| Associate General Counsel | 5+ years | $266,022 |
| General Counsel | 5+ years | $331,399 |
| Chief Legal Officer | 5+ years | $419,967 |
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:
General Counsel salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $370,667. While startup companies pay approximate $313,474.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $313,474 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $331,548 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $357,950 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $370,667 |
For General Counsel roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Transportation. and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, General Counsel positions in Telecom or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view General Counsel as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation. | $397,679 | $191.0 | 20% |
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.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026For 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 $419,967 - 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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