As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Counsel in the United States is $192,165 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $92.
However, a Counsel's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A 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 a 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 |
|---|---|
| Attorney ... Level Counsel | $103,052 |
| Attorney ... Level Counsel | $136,807 |
| Counsel Level Counsel | $193,264 |
| Attorney ... Level Counsel | $220,043 |
| Attorney ... Level Counsel | $261,147 |
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 Counsels. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 5.95% |
| Case Management | 1.95% |
| Employment Law | 1.56% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Open Source
|
$220,990 |
15%
|
|
Intellectual Property
|
$203,695 |
6%
|
|
Innovation
|
$201,773 |
5%
|
|
Employment Law
|
$201,773 |
5%
|
|
Hard Working
|
$199,852 |
4%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$199,852 |
4%
|
For Counsel roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Counsel positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Counsel as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $249,814 | $120.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $240,206 | $115.0 | 25% |
| Software & Networking | $240,206 | $115.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $230,598 | $111.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $220,990 | $106.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Counsels 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 Counsel with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $166,120 and $178,270).
Counsel Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 0.3% |
| Associates | 0.3% |
| Bachelors | 0.7% |
| Masters | 3.1% |
| Doctorate | 95.6% |
Understanding how a 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, 2026Salaries for a Counsel can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $177,100 in 2023 to around $161,444 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Counsel salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $177,100 |
| 2024 | $170,540 |
| 2025 | $161,444 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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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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