IN-HOUSE COUNSEL COMPENSATION
AND CAREER SURVEY
2024 In-House Counsel Compensation & Career Survey is Now Available!
Download a free copy of the 2024 In-House Counsel Compensation & Career Report.
SURVEY PARTNERS
CONDUCTED BY
TOPICS COVERED
Compensation and career related matters including:
- Base Salary
- Bonuses Options
- Benefits
- Compensation and Work Satisfaction
- Work-Life Balance
- Career Mobility
- Demographic Data
- Diversity Disparity
2024 SURVEY RESULTS
NATIONAL AVERAGE BASE SALARY
In 2024, the national average base salary stands at $196,000, an increase over $180,000 in 2022 and $167,500 in 2020. Based on organization type, we note that the average base salary for in-house counsel in both publicly quoted and privately owned organizations is higher than those in government, Crown corporations, and not-for-profit.
Ontario respondents report average base salaries that are 8% above the national average. The averages in British Columbia and Alberta are close to the national average, +2% and -1% respectively. In-house counsel from central Canada, Quebec, Atlantic Canada report the lowest national averages.
GENDER WAGE GAP
On average, in total, the base salary of female in-house counsel is lower than their male counterparts. In 2024 males average $208,000, $21,500 more than the female base salary of $186,500. The gap in 2022 was $24,000 and in 2020 was $19,000.
In 2024, for the first time, females report higher average salaries than males in two of five in-house counsel roles: Assistant/ Associate GC and GC Executive Level. The gap in GC Director level, while still at $11,500, is lower than that seen in 2022 ($22,000) and 2020 ($20,000).
FACTORS FOR CAREER MOVES
On average, in total, the base salary of female in-house counsel is lower than their male counterparts. In 2024 males average $208,000, $21,500 more than the female base salary of $186,500. The gap in 2022 was $24,000 and in 2020 was $19,000.
In 2024, for the first time, females report higher average salaries than males in two of five in-house counsel roles: Assistant/ Associate GC and GC Executive Level. The gap in GC Director level, while still at $11,500, is lower than that seen in 2022 ($22,000) and 2020 ($20,000).
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