Corporate Counsel Salary in 2026
Corporate counsel serve as in-house attorneys advising companies on legal matters including contracts, compliance, intellectual property, and corporate governance. They minimize legal risk.
Median Salary
$158,000
$13,167/mo
Entry Level
$105,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$220,000
experienced
Job Growth
+8%
10-yr outlook
Corporate Counsel Overview
Corporate counsel serve as in-house attorneys advising companies on legal matters including contracts, compliance, intellectual property, and corporate governance. They minimize legal risk.
Education
Juris Doctor (JD)
Experience
5-8 years
Industry
Legal
Total Jobs (US)
95K
5-Year Growth
+17%
Category
Legal
Hourly Rate
$75.96/hr
Monthly Pay
$13,167
Corporate Counsel Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Corporate Counsel salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Corporate Counsel Salary
$181,000
$15,083/month · $6,962/biweekly · $87.02/hr
Corporate Counsel Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Corporate Counsel field.
Entry-level Corporate Counsels earn around $105,000, while the top 10% earn $262,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Corporate Counsels
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $186,000 | +$28,000 |
| New York | $182,000 | +$24,000 |
| Illinois | $164,000 | +$6,000 |
| Delaware | $160,000 | +$2,000 |
| Texas | $155,000 | $-3,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Corporate Counsels
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $198,000 | +$40,000 |
| New York | $186,000 | +$28,000 |
| Chicago | $166,000 | +$8,000 |
| Wilmington | $161,000 | +$3,000 |
| Dallas | $158,000 | $0 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Corporate Counsel Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Corporate Counsel from entry level to expert.
$105,000
0-2 years
$163,000
3-7 years
$220,000
8-14 years
$305,000
15+ years
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Corporate Counsel Salary FAQ
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