Salary report · US · 2026
Immigration Attorney / Lawyer Salary
The average immigration attorney / lawyer salary is $85,212 per year in the United States in 2026. Base pay runs from $64,000 at the 10th percentile to $138,000 at the 90th, with a median of $85,000. Bonuses add $495–$14,000, putting total pay between roughly $64,000 and $145,000.
Definition & distribution
What is the average immigration attorney / lawyer salary?
The average base salary for an Immigration Attorney is $85,212 per year. The median salary is $85,000, indicating a balanced compensation landscape.
The 10th percentile salary is $64,000, while the 90th percentile reaches $138,000, suggesting a significant disparity in earnings based on experience and specialization. This wide range implies that while many attorneys earn around the median, there are opportunities for substantial financial advancement.
Known limitations. The sample size consists of 209 profiles, which provides a reasonable overview but may not capture all variations in the field. Regional differences and individual circumstances can also affect salary outcomes.
Pay components
How is immigration attorney / lawyer total pay structured?
Compensation for Immigration Attorneys typically includes base salary and potential bonuses.
| Component | Low | High | Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base salary | $64,000 | $138,000 | Dense around the $85k median |
| Annual bonus | $495 | $14,000 | Up to ~10% of top-end base |
| Total pay | $64,000 | $145,000 | Base plus reported bonus |
Pay by experience
How does experience change a immigration attorney / lawyer salary?
As with many professions, pay for Immigration Attorneys tends to increase with experience. More seasoned attorneys generally command higher salaries due to their expertise and established client bases.
- 01
Entry-level
Entry-level Immigration Attorneys can expect to earn around $64,000 per year.
- 02
Mid-career
Mid-career professionals typically earn about $85,000 per year, reflecting their growing expertise.
- 03
Experienced
Experienced Immigration Attorneys can earn upwards of $138,000 per year, particularly if they specialize in high-demand areas.
Skills
Which skills affect a immigration attorney / lawyer salary?
Skills play a crucial role in determining salary levels for Immigration Attorneys.
- 01
Client Interaction — the baseline tier
Strong client interaction skills are essential and expected of all Immigration Attorneys.
- 02
Legal Research — the premium tier
Proficiency in legal research can enhance an attorney's value and lead to higher compensation.
- 03
Litigation — the promotion tier
Expertise in litigation can position an attorney for advancement into senior roles with increased pay.
Geography
Where do immigration attorney / lawyers earn the most?
Salaries for Immigration Attorneys can vary significantly by city.
| Metro | Market character | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | Big tech & finance | Higher cost of living but also higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000. |
| Los Angeles, CA | Entertainment & media | Competitive salaries with a diverse client base. |
| San Francisco, CA | Tech hub | High salaries reflect the cost of living and demand for specialized legal services. |
| Washington, DC | Government & policy | Salaries are generally robust due to the concentration of immigration-related legal work. |
| Houston, TX | Energy & healthcare | Lower cost of living may lead to comparatively lower salaries. |
Check your pay
Where does your salary fall?
Use our salary calculator to check your earning potential based on your experience and location.
Raising your pay
How can immigration attorney / lawyers increase their salary?
There are several ways to potentially increase your salary as an Immigration Attorney.
- 01
Specialize in high-demand areas
Focusing on immigration law sectors that are in high demand can lead to higher pay.
- 02
Gain additional certifications
Obtaining specialized certifications can enhance your qualifications and marketability.
- 03
Network within the industry
Building a strong professional network can lead to new opportunities and higher-paying positions.
FAQ
Immigration Attorney / Lawyer salary: FAQ
The highest reported salary for an Immigration Attorney is $145,000.
The lowest reported salary for an Immigration Attorney is $64,000.
You can increase your salary by specializing in high-demand areas, gaining additional certifications, and networking within the industry.
Yes, bonuses can range from $495 to $14,000, depending on performance and firm policies.
The data is based on 209 profiles, providing a reasonable overview, though individual circumstances may vary.
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