How Much Does an Immigration Lawyer Make a Year?

Immigration law is a rewarding legal profession.

The income of immigration lawyers varies wildly. Depending on geographical, employer and specialty factors, immigration lawyers can make anything from the mid-five figures to over $100,000 annually. Immigration lawyers help immigrants stay in the United States and acquire citizenship.

Regions

The average income of an immigration lawyer in New York, NY, is $54,000 a year. In Phoenix, AZ, the average income of an immigration lawyer is $43,000 annually--a significant $11,000 difference. Immigration lawyers in major cities such as San Francisco, Miami and Chicago usually make a larger income.

Seniority

New immigration lawyers can generally expect to make under $50,000 annually. Once an immigration lawyer has over 30 months of experience, he can generally expect to earn an approximate income of $100,000. Experienced immigration lawyers can handle cases--and better-heeled clients--that neophyte attorneys cannot.

Employers

The income of immigration lawyers looks low on paper because many work for nonprofits or charities that help the poor; however, immigration lawyers at large firms or at companies designed for acquiring visas for skilled workers will have much larger salaries. Nonprofit organizations frequently save their highest salaries for attorneys who have been with them 10 years or more.

References

• Degree Finders: How to Become an Immigration Lawyer
• Degree Directory: What is the Average Salary for an Immigration Lawyer?
• Simply Hired: Immigration Lawyer Salary

Resources

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services