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
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 |
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?
The 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.
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: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $97,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Immigration Attorney in the Legal sector.
- Entry-level ($61,000) and senior-level ($129,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +8% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 45K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 15% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Legal sector wages.
- Education requirement: Juris Doctor (JD), per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $97,000.
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 Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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