As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Staff Counsel in the United States is $99,833 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.
However, a Staff Counsel's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Staff 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 Staff 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 |
|---|---|
| Staff Cou... Level Staff Counsel | $99,100 |
| Attorney ... Level Staff Counsel | $131,560 |
| Attorney ... Level Staff Counsel | $185,852 |
| Attorney ... Level Staff Counsel | $211,604 |
| Attorney ... Level Staff Counsel | $251,132 |
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 Staff Counsels. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 5.65% |
| Estate Planning | 2.37% |
| Employment Law | 1.49% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Legal Advice
|
$104,825 |
5%
|
|
Intellectual Property
|
$103,826 |
4%
|
|
Due Diligence
|
$102,828 |
3%
|
|
Negotiating
|
$102,828 |
3%
|
|
Analysis
|
$102,828 |
3%
|
|
Employment Law
|
$102,828 |
3%
|
For Staff 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 Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Staff Counsel positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Staff Counsel as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $119,800 | $58.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $119,800 | $58.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $119,800 | $58.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $119,800 | $58.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $119,800 | $58.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Staff 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 Staff Counsel with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $101,138 and $109,909).
Staff Counsel Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 0.4% |
| Associates | 0.1% |
| Bachelors | 1.8% |
| Masters | 2.9% |
| Doctorate | 94.6% |
Understanding how a Staff 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 Staff Counsel can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $112,095 in 2023 to around $108,164 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Staff Counsel salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $112,095 |
| 2024 | $111,666 |
| 2025 | $108,164 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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