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General Counsel Salary in New York, United States

How much does a General Counsel make in New York, United States?

$232,553 (USD)/year

Average Bonus

$15,348 (USD)

per Year
Total Compensation

$244,708.50

As of July, 23, 2026, the average general counsel gross salary in New York, United States is $232,553 or an equivalent hourly rate of $112. In addition, general counsels earn an average bonus of $15,348. An entry level general counsel with 1-3 years of experience earns an average salary of $160,402. At the higher end of the pay range, a senior level general counsel with 8+ years of experience earns an average salary of $266,627. Salary estimates are based on salary survey data collected directly from employers in New York, United States.
Data powered by ERI

Salary Potential for a General Counsel

Explore the estimated salary growth for a General Counsel in New York, United States for up to 5 years. The estimated salary of a General Counsel will be $238,763 in 1 year and $265,307 in 5 years.
View Salary by Year
Estimated Salary
$245,139
Average Growth
5.4 %
The estimated salary for a General Counsel in 2 years is $245,139, which is 5.4 % average growth. This information is based on ERI's compensation database.

Typical General Counsel Education

This chart displays the highest level of education for General Counsels.

  • 0% of General Counsels have less than a High School Diploma
  • 0% of General Counsels have a High School Diploma
  • 0% of General Counsels have an Associate's Degree
  • 0% of General Counsels have a Bachelor's Degree
  • 100% of General Counsels have a Master's Degree
  • 0% of General Counsels have a Doctorate Degree

The typical field of study for a General Counsel is Law.

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Popular Skills for a General Counsel

Negotiates agreements
96%
Provides counsel
87%
Advises clients
82%
Provides opinions
73%
Draft analysis
70%
Establishes controls
66%

These are the most popular skills for General Counsels. About 96% of General Counsels have a skill in Negotiates agreements. The top 3 most popular skills for General Counsels are negotiates agreements, provides counsel, and advises clients.

See how skills can impact your salary

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Where can a General Counsel earn more?

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General Counsel Salaries in Other Locations

Salaries for Similar Job Titles in New York, United States

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Cost of Living in New York, United States

The cost of living in New York, United States is 28% higher than the national average.
Cost of living trend higher
28% higher
than the national average
Whether you're planning to move or just want to see the cost of living in different locations, our cost-of-living calculator is the place to start. Compare salaries for other locations by city, U.S. ZIP code, state, or country.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a General Counsel do?
Provides legal counsel on general employment law, mergers and acquisitions and compliance. Evaluates legal documents and contracts to limit risk and maximize benefits. Represents the company in legal matters. Develops and reviews product warranties and license agreements.
How much does a General Counsel make in New York, United States?
The average salary for a General Counsel is $232,553 per year or $111.80 per hour in New York, United States. Top earners have reported making up to $266,627. However, the typical pay range in New York, United States is between $160,402 and $266,627 annually.
What is the salary trajectory for a General Counsel?
General Counsel is projected to see a 14.1 % salary change in 5 years.
How can you increase your salary?
Increasing your salary often starts with understanding your value in today’s job market. You can increase your earning potential by building your skills, advancing your education, moving into a new role or industry, switching companies, or negotiating pay.
How can you negotiate a salary offer? 
Negotiating a salary offer involves preparation and finding our your market value. Use our salary calculator to find out how much you should be paid based on what someone in your area, with similar experience, earns. Use this personalized report to help negotiate a higher salary offer or find your dream career. 
What are some factors that impact General Counsel salaries? 
Several factors can impact your salary, including experience, company size, job market, location, industry, and more. Understanding how these factors affect your role can help you spot pay gaps and provide opportunities for a competitive salary.

About Our Data

This page is an excerpt of the much more complete compensation information available in ERI's Assessor Series.

ERI compiles the most robust and accurate salary, cost-of-living, and executive compensation survey database available. Data are analyzed using AI and traditional statistics, depending on which approach is best for a particular application. ERI collects salary survey data from five different sources, which you can learn about here.

Verified Sources
Data sourced from internal salary surveys, purchased surveys, public sources, HRIS data, and proprietary databases.
Real-Time Data
Our salary database is updated and verified approximately every six weeks.
Quality Assurance
Along with our data scientists, we have included AI in our rigorous process to analyze and provide the highest quality data.

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