▼39%
$227,917
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$148k
MEDIAN
$228k
90%
$332k
The average salary for a General Counsel is $227,917 in 2025
Base Salary
$148k - $332k
Bonus
$3k - $100k
Profit Sharing
$406 - $57k
Total Pay
$154k - $399k
Is Average Late-Career General Counsel with Corporate Governance Skills Salary your job title? Find out what you should be paid
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for General Counsels?
What Do General Counsels Do?
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a General Counsel
Medical
89%
Dental
81%
Vision
76%
None
11%
Gender Breakdown for General Counsels
Male
51.2%
Female
47.6%
Prefer to self-define
1.2%
This data is based on 82 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 $332k / year
What is the lowest pay for General Counsels?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a General Counsel is $148k / 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.