If you’re thinking about becoming an immigration lawyer—or you’re just curious—it’s natural to wonder how much they earn. Immigration law is a unique field. It’s filled with emotional stories, high stakes, and a real chance to make a difference in people’s lives. But what about the money? How much does an immigration lawyer make in a year?
The answer isn’t the same for everyone. A lawyer’s income depends on many things: where they work, how much experience they have, whether they work for a firm or run their own office, and even the kind of clients they serve. Some make six figures or more, while others earn more modest incomes, especially early in their careers.
In this article, we’ll explain everything in simple language. We’ll talk about average salaries, the factors that affect income, and what immigration lawyers really do. Whether you’re a law student, a new graduate, or someone just curious about this career, this guide will help you understand the full picture.
What Does an Immigration Lawyer Do?
Before we talk about money, let’s talk about the job itself.
Immigration lawyers help people deal with immigration issues. That might include:
Helping families reunite through visas
Defending people in deportation cases
Assisting refugees and asylum seekers
Supporting employers to hire foreign workers
Helping immigrants become permanent residents or citizens
Some immigration lawyers work with individuals and families. Others focus on business clients. Some even work with government agencies or nonprofits. It’s a wide field, and that means income can vary a lot.
The Average Salary of an Immigration Lawyer
Now, let’s look at the numbers. Salaries for immigration lawyers vary across different sources, but we can still find a general range.
In the United States:
The average salary is around $70,000 to $90,000 per year.
Entry-level immigration lawyers usually earn between $50,000 and $65,000.
Experienced lawyers with 10+ years may earn between $100,000 and $160,000 or more.
Top earners in big cities or large firms can make over $200,000.
These numbers are not fixed. They change based on location, type of employer, and experience.
Salary by Work Setting
Where a lawyer works makes a big difference in how much they make. Let’s break it down:
1. Private Law Firms
Lawyers at private firms often make the most money, especially if they handle complex business immigration cases or high-profile clients. These firms charge clients for their time and may take on dozens of cases each month.
Small firm: $60,000 to $120,000/year
Mid-size or large firm: $90,000 to $180,000/year or more
Big cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago often pay higher salaries. But they also have higher living costs.
2. Nonprofit Organizations
Some immigration lawyers work for nonprofit groups. These organizations help immigrants who can’t afford private lawyers. The pay is usually lower, but the work can be very rewarding.
Average salary: $45,000 to $70,000/year
Experienced lawyers: Up to $85,000/year
These lawyers may also get other benefits, like student loan forgiveness.
3. Government Jobs
Some immigration lawyers work for government agencies like U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Department of Justice, or immigration courts.
Starting salary: $55,000 to $75,000/year
Senior positions: $90,000 to $140,000/year
Government jobs often offer good job security, regular hours, and full benefits.
4. Solo Practice
Some immigration lawyers open their own law offices. They set their own rates and choose their own clients. Income in solo practice can vary widely.
New solo lawyer: As low as $40,000/year
Successful solo lawyer: Over $150,000/year
Income depends on how many clients they get, how much they charge, and how well they run their business. It’s risky at first but can be very rewarding in the long run.
Factors That Affect Income
Now let’s look at what affects how much an immigration lawyer earns.
1. Experience
As with most jobs, the more experience you have, the more you can earn. Lawyers just starting out often make less, while those with 10 to 20 years of practice can earn much more.
2. Location
Lawyers in big cities tend to make more money. Cities like New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. offer higher salaries. But they also come with higher costs of living.
In smaller cities or rural areas, salaries may be lower—but competition is also less intense.
3. Client Type
Lawyers who work with businesses and wealthy clients usually earn more. These clients often need visas for employees, investment immigration, or large-scale legal help.
Lawyers who help individuals or low-income immigrants may charge lower fees but often take more cases to balance things out.
4. Reputation and Results
Some lawyers become well-known for their skill, honesty, or track record. A good reputation brings more clients and allows lawyers to charge higher fees.
Many successful immigration lawyers also get referrals from other lawyers or happy clients. Over time, this can boost income a lot.
What About Bonuses and Extra Income?
Some immigration lawyers also earn money from:
Performance bonuses
Referral fees
Speaking at events or writing articles
Teaching or training other lawyers
In private firms, lawyers may get bonuses based on how many clients they bring in or how many cases they win.
Some lawyers also offer consultations and charge a flat fee for those meetings. Others may create online resources or offer services remotely.
Is It Worth Becoming an Immigration Lawyer?
Money isn’t the only reason people choose this career. Many immigration lawyers love their job because they help people build new lives. The work is often emotional, meaningful, and impactful.
That said, it’s not an easy field. Cases can be complex and time-consuming. Clients are often scared or desperate. The law changes often, and there’s pressure to get things right.
But for those who enjoy solving problems, working with people from different backgrounds, and making a difference—immigration law can be very rewarding, both personally and financially.
How to Increase Your Income as an Immigration Lawyer
Here are some tips to earn more in this field:
Specialize in a niche. Business immigration, deportation defense, or investor visas are examples of specialties that can command higher fees.
Build your reputation. Offer excellent service, be honest with clients, and work hard on each case.
Use technology. Tools like case management software and online marketing can save time and attract clients.
Expand your services. Offer consultations, webinars, or legal workshops. You can also work remotely to reach clients outside your area.
Keep learning. Immigration law changes often. Staying up to date makes you more valuable to clients.
Conclusion
So, how much does an immigration lawyer make a year? The answer depends on many things, but here’s a quick summary:
Most make between $60,000 and $120,000 per year.
New lawyers may earn $50,000 to $70,000.
Experienced lawyers or those in big firms can earn $150,000 or more.
Lawyers at nonprofits or in government jobs may earn less, but still enjoy stable and meaningful careers.
This is a career where you can grow over time. It may start small, but with effort, skill, and care for your clients, the rewards—both financial and emotional—can be big.
If you’re thinking about becoming an immigration lawyer, don’t just think about the money. Think about the mission. Helping people start a new life is a powerful thing. And if you do it well, the income will follow.
Related topics:
- How Much Does an Immigration Lawyer Consultation Cost?
- How Much Does the Visa Lottery Cost?
- How Much Do Immigration Lawyers Earn? A Detailed Breakdown
