▼58%
$190,301
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$116k
MEDIAN
$190k
90%
$286k
The average salary for a General Counsel is $190,301 in 2025
Base Salary
$116k - $286k
Bonus
$5k - $77k
Profit Sharing
$3k - $49k
Total Pay
$120k - $328k
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for General Counsels?
What Do General Counsels Do?
General Counsel Tasks
- Draft, review and negotiate contracts.
- Assist with possible mergers, acquisitions and formation of business entities.
- Provide legal advice on legal and regulatory issues and federal and state laws and regulations.
- Represent client or corporation in negotiations with accounts and regulators.
Find your market worth – how it works:
How do General Counsels Rate Their Jobs?
Based on 81 responses, the job of General Counsel has received a job satisfaction rating of 4.23 out of 5. On average, General Counsels are highly satisfied with their job.
Common Health Benefits for a General Counsel
Medical
86%
Dental
78%
Vision
71%
None
13%
Gender Breakdown for General Counsels
Male
60.2%
Female
38.8%
Prefer to self-define
1.0%
This data is based on 410 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About General Counsels
What is the highest pay for General Counsels?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a General Counsel is $286k / year
What is the lowest pay for General Counsels?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a General Counsel is $116k / year
How can General Counsels increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a General Counsel is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a General Counsel that oversees more junior General Counsels, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.