As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate Counsel in the United States is $48,339 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
However, an Associate Counsel's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Associate 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Associate 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Associate Counsel | $47,633 |
| Intermediate Level Associate Counsel | $48,106 |
| Senior Level Associate Counsel | $49,270 |
| Specialist Level Associate Counsel | $49,502 |
| Expert Level Associate Counsel | $49,657 |
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 Associate Counsels. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 6.22% |
| Child Development | 2.43% |
| Psychiatric | 2.03% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Group Therapy
|
$54,623 |
13%
|
|
Treatment Planning
|
$53,173 |
10%
|
|
Psychiatric
|
$52,206 |
8%
|
|
Group Counseling
|
$51,723 |
7%
|
|
Leadership
|
$51,723 |
7%
|
|
Accountability
|
$51,239 |
6%
|
For Associate Counsel roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Associate Counsel positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Associate Counsel as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $53,173 | $26.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Associate Counsels enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA 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 Associate Counsel with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $43,270 and $46,583).
Associate Counsel Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.1% |
| High School | 0.8% |
| Associates | 0.8% |
| Bachelors | 5.4% |
| Masters | 87.3% |
| Doctorate | 5.4% |
Understanding how an Associate 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for an Associate Counsel can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $45,740 in 2023 to around $45,226 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Associate Counsel salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $45,740 |
| 2024 | $45,649 |
| 2025 | $45,226 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Associate Counsel roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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