Legal Counsel Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Legal Counsels in Sydney earn a median salary of $175,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $125,000 and $275,000. That sits 84% above Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 70 jobs advertised in Sydney in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 17% of roles by listing volume in Sydney ↑ +27 listings vs last month
💰 Legal Counsel · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$125,000 – $275,000
Median: $175,000
Jun $200k
Jul $175k
↓ Trending down

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

Mid level $112,820 – $200,000
Senior level $146,000 – $275,000
Overall $125k–$275k Mid $112k–$200k Senior $146k–$275k $109k $144k $178k $213k $248k $283k
Moderate confidence 70 listings (+27 vs last month) · 02/08/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 70 job listings for this role and city, 97.1% sourced from Seek.com.au and the rest from government job boards and employer career sites. Of those, 5.7% stated a salary directly. The remaining 94.3% 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%  $125,000 Median  $175,000 $275,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

Only 5.7% of these 70 listings stated a salary, one of the lowest disclosure rates in this report, so the $175,000 median is almost entirely estimated. The median also fell $25,000 while listings rose 63% from 43 to 70, an unusual combination that suggests a shift in the seniority mix being advertised. Brisbane pays $180,000 and Melbourne $160,000. Treat both the level and the decline as directional.

Take Home Pay (based on median $175,000)

Weekly (net)
~$2,340
Monthly (net)
~$10,140
Annual (net)
~$121,683
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $195,125

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 Sydney?
The $125,000 floor assumes several years in private practice before moving in-house. Lawyers in Sydney earn $125,000, so the in-house floor equals the private practice median, and the move is worth $50,000 at the median level. Commercial contracting, regulatory and privacy experience are what listings name most often.
Is $175,000 a good salary in Sydney?
Yes. At $175,000 legal counsel earns 84.2% above Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000, with take-home near $2,340 a week against high living costs. Brisbane pays $5,000 more at a much lower cost base. The serious caveat is that only four of these 70 listings disclosed a salary.
How much does a Senior Legal Counsel make in Sydney?
Senior listings run $146,000 to $275,000 with a median of $200,000, from 34 listings. General counsel and head of legal roles are what reach the upper end, usually with company secretarial or compliance responsibility. Given the near-absence of salary disclosure, treat the $275,000 ceiling as indicative only.

Other roles in Sydney

Legal Counsel salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Sydney
Sydney (this page) $175,000 0%
Brisbane $180,000 +3%
Melbourne $160,000 -9%

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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.