Counsel H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 123 certified H-1B filings for Counsel positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $285,000, which is 126% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Counsel H-1B salaries fall between $173,000 and $420,000.
Median Salary Trend
Counsel salaries have grown 75% from FY 2020 ($240,000) to FY 2026 ($420,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Counsel
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| AKIN GUMP STRAUSS HAUER & FELD LLP | 8 | $420,000 |
| PAUL, WEISS, RIFKIND, WHARTON & GARRISON, LLP | 8 | $435,000 |
| LINKLATERS LLP | 7 | $445,000 |
| WILMER CUTLER PICKERING HALE AND DORR LLP | 5 | $415,000 |
| REED SMITH LLP | 5 | $450,000 |
| SIMPSON THACHER & BARTLETT LLP | 4 | $420,000 |
| LYFT | 3 | $220,000 |
| JOBY AERO | 3 | $133,000 |
| NIXON PEABODY LLP | 2 | $240,000 |
| SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE, MEAGHER & FLOM LLP | 2 | $435,000 |
Top Locations for Counsel
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 69 | $390,000 |
| San Francisco, CA | 11 | $218,000 |
| Washington, DC | 9 | $310,000 |
| Houston, TX | 4 | $420,000 |
| Chicago, IL | 4 | $136,677 |
| Boston, MA | 3 | $250,000 |
| Santa Cruz, CA | 3 | $133,000 |
| Seattle, WA | 2 | $320,000 |
| Lewisville, TX | 1 | $122,366 |
| San Jose, CA | 1 | $122,574 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Counsel is $285,000, based on 123 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 126% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown 75% since FY 2020 ($240,000 → $420,000).
Salaries span a $327,426 range from the 10th percentile ($122,574) to the 90th percentile ($450,000). The middle 50% of Counsels earn between $173,000 and $420,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
AKIN GUMP STRAUSS HAUER & FELD LLP is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 8 certified filings at a median salary of $420,000. Among the top sponsors, REED SMITH LLP pays the highest median at $450,000. The pay spread across top employers is 238%.
Geographically, New York, NY has the highest concentration of Counsel H-1B filings (69) at a median of $390,000. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Houston, TX at $420,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Counsel H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Counsel positions is $285,000, based on 123 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 126% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $420,000 to $450,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $122,574 to $173,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $122,574
- 25th percentile
- $173,000
- Median
- $285,000
- 75th percentile
- $420,000
- 90th percentile
- $450,000
Salaries range from $122,574 at the 10th percentile to $450,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $327,426 spread. The 25th percentile is $173,000 and the 75th percentile is $420,000.
Which companies hire the most Counsels on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Counsel positions spans various industries and employer types. The top sponsors reflect where demand for this role is highest, with compensation varying based on employer size, industry sector, and geographic location. Larger employers often have established visa sponsorship programs and immigration support.
AKIN GUMP STRAUSS HAUER & FELD LLP is the largest H-1B sponsor for Counsel positions with 8 filings at a median salary of $420,000. PAUL, WEISS, RIFKIND, WHARTON & GARRISON, LLP follows with 8 filings.
Where are Counsel H-1B jobs located?
Counsel H-1B positions are concentrated in major tech hubs and metropolitan areas with strong technology ecosystems. The San Francisco Bay Area (including San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Mountain View) and Seattle-Redmond corridor dominate due to headquarters of major tech employers. New York City attracts Counsels across finance, media, and tech sectors. Emerging hubs like Austin, Denver, and Raleigh-Durham offer growing opportunities with lower costs of living compared to coastal cities.
New York, NY has the highest concentration of Counsel H-1B filings with 69 positions at a median salary of $390,000. The highest-paying location is Houston, TX at $420,000 median.
How have Counsel salaries changed over time?
Counsel H-1B salaries have grown by +75% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $240,000 to $420,000 during this period. This growth reflects increasing demand for skilled tech workers, competitive hiring among major employers, and broader salary inflation in the technology sector. The distribution has also widened, with top-tier companies offering increasingly premium compensation to attract talent, while entry-level positions have seen more modest gains.
Year-by-year breakdown:
- FY 2022: $250,000 (20 certified)
- FY 2023: $250,000 (21 certified)
- FY 2024: $310,000 (15 certified)
- FY 2025: $330,000 (18 certified)
- FY 2026: $420,000 (26 certified)