Legal Counsel Salary in Melbourne (2026)

Last updated

Legal Counsels in Melbourne earn a median salary of $160,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $134,794 and $200,000. That sits 71% above Melbourne's all-roles median of $93,805. Figures are based on 43 jobs advertised in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

● Moderate demand 64th percentile by listing volume in Melbourne ↑ +15 listings vs last month
💰 Legal Counsel · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$134,794 – $200,000
Median: $160,000
Aug $160k
Sep $160k
→ Stable

Based on 2-month data, short-term movement only.

Mid level $125,000 – $177,500
Senior level $160,000 – $247,500
Overall $134k–$200k Mid $125k–$177k Senior $160k–$247k $121k $147k $174k $201k $228k $254k
Moderate confidence 43 listings (+15 vs last month) · 30/09/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 43 job listings for this role and city, 97.7% sourced from Seek.com.au and the rest from government job boards and employer career sites. Of those, 15.9% stated a salary directly. The remaining 84.1% carried a range estimated from the listing, so this median blends advertised and estimated pay. Figures represent what employers advertise and may differ from actual compensation. Fewer than a quarter of these listings stated a salary, so the median leans heavily on estimates.

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Bottom 10%  $134,794 Median  $160,000 $200,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

The median held at $160,000 with listings up 54% from 28 to 43. Sydney pays $200,000, a $40,000 premium that is the largest city gap for any legal role in this data, with Brisbane level with Melbourne at $160,000. Only 15.9% of listings stated a salary, one of the lower disclosure rates in the Melbourne data. The senior band runs $160,000 to $247,000 on 12 listings, starting exactly where the overall median sits.

Take Home Pay (based on median $160,000)

Weekly (net)
~$2,164
Monthly (net)
~$9,378
Annual (net)
~$112,533
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $178,400

Take-home calculated using 2025-26 ATO tax rates, no HECS debt, full Australian residency. Total package adds 11.5% superannuation to base salary. Adjust for your situation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good starting salary for a junior Legal Counsel in Melbourne?
The $134,000 floor assumes several years in private practice before moving in-house, so this is not an entry title. Lawyers in Melbourne earn $125,000, making the in-house move worth $35,000 on median. Commercial contracting, regulatory and privacy experience are what listings name most often at the lower end.
Is $160,000 a good salary in Melbourne?
Yes. At $160,000 legal counsel earns 70.6% above Melbourne's all-roles median of $93,000, with take-home near $2,164 a week. Sydney pays $40,000 more, which even Melbourne's lower housing costs do not close, so Sydney is clearly the stronger market for this role. Within Melbourne legal it is the top advertised band.
How much does a Senior Legal Counsel make in Melbourne?
Senior listings run $160,000 to $247,000 with a median of $186,000, from 12 listings. General counsel and head of legal roles are what reach the upper end, usually with company secretarial or compliance responsibility attached. Given the low disclosure rate, treat the $247,000 ceiling as directional.

Other roles in Melbourne

Legal Counsel salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Melbourne
Melbourne (this page) $160,000 0%
Sydney $200,000 +25%
Brisbane $160,000 ~same

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Data sourced from publicly listed job advertisements. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Seek or any third-party platforms. Salary ranges represent advertised figures and may differ from actual compensation. Updated monthly.