Corporate Counsel vs Immigration Attorney: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Corporate Counsel
Provide in-house legal advice to a corporation on business matters.
Immigration Attorney
Advise individuals and corporations on visa applications and immigration law.
Corporate Counsel earns more on average — the national median is $63,000/year (60%) higher than a Immigration Attorney. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Corporate Counsel vs Immigration Attorney — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Corporate Counsel | Immigration Attorney | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $238,210 | $149,706 | Corporate +$88,504 |
| New York, NY | $207,724 | $124,549 | Corporate +$83,175 |
| Seattle, WA | $242,215 | $149,001 | Corporate +$93,214 |
| Austin, TX | $189,431 | $115,332 | Corporate +$74,099 |
| Chicago, IL | $175,856 | $113,310 | Corporate +$62,546 |
| Boston, MA | $225,472 | $135,711 | Corporate +$89,761 |
| London, UK | £129,352 | £80,930 | Corporate +$48,422 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$223,369 | CA$139,842 | Corporate +$83,527 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Corporate Counsel or Immigration Attorney earn more?+
A Corporate Counsel earns more on average. The national median salary for a Corporate Counsel is $168,000/year, compared to $105,000/year for a Immigration Attorney — a difference of $63,000 (60%).
Which has better career growth — Corporate Counsel or Immigration Attorney?+
Corporate Counsel roles are growing at 10% YoY while Immigration Attorney demand is growing at 14% YoY. Immigration Attorney has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Corporate Counsel to Immigration Attorney?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Corporate Counsel or Immigration Attorney?+
Corporate Counsel has a lower AI automation risk (18% vs 20%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.