Immigration Attorney Salary in 2026
Immigration attorneys help individuals and families navigate the complex US immigration system, handling visa applications, green cards, asylum cases, and deportation defense.
Median Salary
$97,000
$8,083/mo
Entry Level
$61,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$129,000
experienced
Job Growth
+8%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Lawyers (SOC 23-1011, the closest published occupation to Immigration Attorney) at a national median of $159,670 per year (mean $185,840), or $76.76 per hour, with 754,500 people employed nationwide. Salario's $97,000 median above is a title-level estimate and is not rescaled to this broader occupation. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Immigration Attorney Overview
Immigration attorneys help individuals and families navigate the complex US immigration system, handling visa applications, green cards, asylum cases, and deportation defense.
Education
Juris Doctor (JD)
Experience
2-5 years
Industry
Legal
Total Jobs (US)
45K
5-Year Growth
+15%
Category
Legal
Hourly Rate
$46.63/hr
Monthly Pay
$8,083
Immigration Attorney Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Immigration Attorney salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Immigration Attorney Salary
$106,000
$8,833/month · $4,077/biweekly · $50.96/hr
Immigration Attorney Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Immigration Attorney field.
Entry-level Immigration Attorneys earn around $61,000, while the top 10% earn $148,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Immigration Attorneys
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $114,000 | +$17,000 |
| New York | $112,000 | +$15,000 |
| Illinois | $101,000 | +$4,000 |
| Texas | $95,000 | $-2,000 |
| Florida | $95,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Immigration Attorneys
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $114,000 | +$17,000 |
| Los Angeles | $109,000 | +$12,000 |
| Chicago | $102,000 | +$5,000 |
| Miami | $99,000 | +$2,000 |
| Houston | $96,000 | $-1,000 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Immigration Attorney Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Immigration Attorney from entry level to expert.
$61,000
0-2 years
$95,000
3-7 years
$129,000
8-14 years
$168,000
15+ years
Related Legal Jobs
Immigration Attorney Salary FAQ
How much does a Immigration Attorney make in 2026?
Salario's modeled median salary for a Immigration Attorney in the United States is $97,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $61,000, while senior professionals earn up to $129,000. Top earners in the field can make $168,000 or more annually. For reference, BLS OEWS May 2025 reports a $159,670 national median for the broader occupation Lawyers (SOC 23-1011).
What education is needed to become a Immigration Attorney?
A Immigration Attorney typically requires a Juris Doctor (JD) with 2-5 years of experience. Key skills include Immigration Law, USCIS Procedures, Visa Applications. Relevant certifications such as Bar Admission or AILA Membership can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Immigration Attorneys?
The job market for Immigration Attorneys is projected to grow by 8% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 45K Immigration Attorney positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 15%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Immigration Attorneys the most?
The highest-paying states for Immigration Attorneys include California, New York, Texas. In California, the median salary is approximately $114,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Immigration Attorney salary?
To increase your Immigration Attorney salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Immigration Law and USCIS Procedures. Pursue certifications such as Bar Admission. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 2-5 years of experience, you can progress from $61,000 to $129,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Immigration Attorney Salary
How we calculate Immigration Attorney salary data: Immigration Attorney has no exact BLS occupation. The national median, tiers, state and city figures are Salario estimates for the title; the closest published BLS occupation (Lawyers, SOC 23-1011) is shown above for reference but is not used to rescale the model because its wage level does not describe this title.
- National median salary: $97,000, Salario estimate (not a BLS value).
- Entry-level ($61,000) and senior-level ($129,000) are Salario tiers; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +8% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 45K total positions nationwide (Salario estimate).
- 5-year salary growth: 15% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Legal sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Juris Doctor (JD), per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $97,000; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Immigration Attorney compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Immigration Attorney job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Legal
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Immigration Attorney salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Immigration Law, USCIS Procedures, Visa Applications), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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