LegalOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Corporate Counsel Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$479,082/yr
Typical range: $369,017 – $470,617
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Corporate Counsel salary by experience level in Washington DC
Corporate Counsel Salary Progression in Washington DC
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $163,452 | $13,621 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $219,814 | $18,318 | +34% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $261,147 | $21,762 | +60% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $321,267 | $26,772 | +97% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $479,082 | $39,924 | +193% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $659,442 | $54,954 | +303% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $704,533 | $58,711 | +331% |
Current Salary
$479,082
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $230/hr
Next Level Target
$659,442
Principal · 14
+$180Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
47/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Corporate Counsel salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Corporate Counsels in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $479K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Corporate Counsel make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $479K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $230/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Corporate Counsel in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Corporate Counsel in Washington DC, DC earns $369K–$471K/yr.