Immigration Attorney vs Corporate Attorney: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Immigration Attorney
Advise individuals and corporations on visa applications and immigration law.
Corporate Attorney
Advise companies on mergers, contracts, governance, and regulatory compliance.
Corporate Attorney earns more on average — the national median is $80,000/year (76%) higher than a Immigration Attorney. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Immigration Attorney vs Corporate Attorney — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Immigration Attorney | Corporate Attorney | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $149,706 | $266,670 | Immigration $116,964 |
| New York, NY | $124,549 | $220,712 | Immigration $96,163 |
| Seattle, WA | $149,001 | $269,723 | Immigration $120,722 |
| Austin, TX | $115,332 | $206,970 | Immigration $91,638 |
| Chicago, IL | $113,310 | $196,795 | Immigration $83,485 |
| Boston, MA | $135,711 | $236,648 | Immigration $100,937 |
| London, UK | £80,930 | £140,704 | Immigration $59,774 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$139,842 | CA$247,315 | Immigration $107,473 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Immigration Attorney or Corporate Attorney earn more?+
A Corporate Attorney earns more on average. The national median salary for a Immigration Attorney is $105,000/year, compared to $185,000/year for a Corporate Attorney — a difference of $80,000 (76%).
Which has better career growth — Immigration Attorney or Corporate Attorney?+
Immigration Attorney roles are growing at 14% YoY while Corporate Attorney demand is growing at 8% YoY. Immigration Attorney has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Immigration Attorney to Corporate 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 — Immigration Attorney or Corporate Attorney?+
Corporate Attorney has a lower AI automation risk (18% vs 20%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.