Privacy / Data Counsel Salary.
Across 30 U.S. cities.
$198,000
national median salary
$152,000 to $258,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$273,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$206,000
Washington DC, DC
Lowest Paying
$171,000
St. Louis, MO
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Privacy / Data Counsel salary in the United States is $198,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $152,000 at the 25th percentile to $258,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $273,000, while Washington DC offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. The expanding regulatory landscape across GDPR, CCPA, and emerging state privacy laws drives intense demand.
Privacy / Data Counsel salary by city
What you should know
The expanding regulatory landscape across GDPR, CCPA, and emerging state privacy laws drives intense demand. Counsel with CIPP certification, cross-border transfer expertise, and AI governance experience command the highest premiums. Industry matters too, with fintech and health tech paying above average.
Privacy analysts start at $85,000 to $110,000. Mid-level privacy counsel earn $150,000 to $200,000. Chief Privacy Officers and VP-level privacy leaders at large tech firms earn $250,000 to $380,000 with substantial equity grants.
Bonuses range from 15 to 25% at tech companies, with equity packages adding $50,000 to $150,000 in annual value. Many roles include privacy conference budgets, IAPP membership, and continuing education allowances.