If you’ve ever wondered, how much does an immigration lawyer make a month, you’re not alone. Many people—law students, clients, and curious onlookers—want to understand how much money immigration lawyers actually earn. This article explains it clearly, step by step. We’ll cover how much they make, what affects their income, and what their job looks like on a daily basis.
What Does an Immigration Lawyer Do?
Before talking about money, it’s important to understand the job itself. An immigration lawyer helps people with all kinds of immigration issues. They work with:
Green card applications
Family-based immigration
Work visas
Deportation defense
Asylum and refugee cases
Citizenship applications
Immigration court hearings
Some lawyers also work on business immigration, helping companies bring in foreign workers.
These lawyers often speak more than one language and deal with people from many different backgrounds. Their job involves paperwork, research, court appearances, and talking with government officials.
Average Monthly Income of an Immigration Lawyer
On average, an immigration lawyer in the U.S. makes between $5,000 and $12,000 per month. This number depends on many things like experience, location, and the type of law firm they work in.
Let’s break it down:
Entry-Level Lawyer (0–2 years): $4,000 to $6,000/month
Mid-Level Lawyer (3–7 years): $6,000 to $9,000/month
Senior Lawyer (8+ years): $9,000 to $12,000/month or more
In some large cities, experienced immigration lawyers can earn even more, especially if they own their own law firm.
What Factors Affect Monthly Income?
Many things can change how much a lawyer earns. Here are the main factors:
1. Location
Lawyers in big cities like New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco usually earn more than those in smaller towns. This is because:
Living costs are higher
There is more demand for immigration help
Clients may be willing to pay more
For example:
A lawyer in New York might earn $10,000–$15,000/month
A lawyer in a small town in Texas might earn $4,000–$7,000/month
2. Experience
Like in most jobs, more experience means higher pay. A lawyer fresh out of law school may start low, but income grows with time.
New lawyers often work under supervision, while experienced lawyers can take on complex cases and even lead teams.
3. Type of Employer
Who the lawyer works for also matters.
Private Law Firms: Usually pay more. Big firms can offer high monthly salaries.
Nonprofit Organizations: Pay less, but offer meaningful work.
Solo Practice (Self-Employed): Income varies. It can be very high or very low depending on clients and reputation.
Government or Legal Aid: Pays steady but lower income, around $4,000–$6,000/month.
4. Work Hours and Case Load
Some immigration lawyers work regular 9-to-5 hours. Others may work evenings or weekends to meet with clients. Those who work longer hours and handle more cases usually make more money.
Lawyers who take urgent deportation cases or work in court often charge more for their services.
5. Specialization
Some immigration lawyers focus on a niche area like:
Business immigration
Investor visas (EB-5)
Deportation defense
These areas can be more complex and may pay better. For example, a lawyer helping investors might earn $15,000/month or more.
How Do Immigration Lawyers Get Paid?
Immigration lawyers don’t always get a flat salary. Their income can come from different sources.
1. Hourly Billing
Some lawyers charge by the hour. The rate depends on experience and location. Common hourly rates are:
New lawyers: $100–$200/hour
Experienced lawyers: $200–$500/hour
If a lawyer works 30 hours a week at $250/hour, they could make $30,000/month. But keep in mind that lawyers don’t bill for every hour they work.
2. Flat Fees
For many services, lawyers charge a flat fee. For example:
Green card application: $1,500 to $3,000
Citizenship application: $500 to $1,500
Asylum case: $2,000 to $6,000
Deportation defense: $5,000 to $15,000 or more
If a lawyer handles several cases per month, they can earn a good income.
3. Retainers
Some clients pay a retainer—money upfront that the lawyer bills against. This gives steady cash flow and helps cover time spent on long cases.
4. Salary
Lawyers working for firms or nonprofits usually earn a monthly salary, just like other employees. This makes income more stable but may be lower than what a solo lawyer can earn.
Real-Life Examples of Monthly Earnings
Let’s look at a few sample cases to better understand what a lawyer might earn in a month.
Case 1: Entry-Level Lawyer at a Nonprofit
Location: Chicago
Salary: $55,000/year
Monthly income: About $4,500 before taxes
This lawyer works regular hours, helps low-income clients, and has steady work.
Case 2: Mid-Level Lawyer in a Private Law Firm
Location: Miami
Salary: $95,000/year
Monthly income: Around $7,900
This lawyer handles both family and business immigration and works 50 hours a week.
Case 3: Experienced Lawyer with Solo Practice
Location: Los Angeles
Income: Based on flat fees
Handles 15 cases/month, averaging $2,000/case
Monthly income: Around $30,000 (before expenses)
This lawyer works long hours but earns a high income due to experience and client volume.
Expenses That Affect Take-Home Pay
Even if a lawyer earns a high income, their take-home pay can be lower due to expenses. These may include:
Office rent
Staff salaries
Software and tools
Marketing and website costs
Bar dues and licenses
Continuing education fees
Taxes (especially for solo lawyers)
For example, a solo lawyer making $25,000/month might have $10,000 in business expenses. That leaves $15,000 before taxes.
Is Being an Immigration Lawyer Worth It?
That depends on your goals. Immigration law is not always the highest-paying legal field, but many lawyers find it meaningful.
Pros:
Helping families and individuals
Variety of cases
Growing demand
Steady work, especially in cities
Cons:
Emotionally demanding
Complex paperwork
Lower starting pay than some legal fields
Is the Salary Going Up?
Yes, in many areas. Immigration is a hot topic, and demand for good lawyers is strong. Lawyers who adapt to technology, offer flexible pricing, or speak multiple languages are often in high demand.
Lawyers who also handle remote consultations or expand their practice online may see higher income over time.
Conclusion
So, how much does an immigration lawyer make a month? The answer is: it depends. On average, most make between $5,000 and $12,000 per month, but this can vary widely.
If you’re thinking of becoming an immigration lawyer, or if you’re just curious, know that it’s a career that can be both rewarding and challenging. Earnings grow with time, effort, and reputation.
Whether working for a firm or running their own business, immigration lawyers play a key role in helping people start new lives—and that’s something truly valuable.
Related topics:
- How Much Do Immigration Lawyers Earn? A Detailed Breakdown
- How Much Does an Indian E-Visa Cost?
- How Much Does It Cost to Renew a Resident Card?
