Immigration Attorney vs Family Law 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.
Family Law Attorney
Handle divorce, custody, adoption, and other family legal matters.
Immigration Attorney earns more on average — the national median is $13,000/year (14%) higher than a Family Law Attorney. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Immigration Attorney vs Family Law Attorney — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Immigration Attorney | Family Law Attorney | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $149,706 | $135,989 | Immigration +$13,717 |
| New York, NY | $124,549 | $110,406 | Immigration +$14,143 |
| Seattle, WA | $149,001 | $134,932 | Immigration +$14,069 |
| Austin, TX | $115,332 | $102,008 | Immigration +$13,324 |
| Chicago, IL | $113,310 | $99,895 | Immigration +$13,415 |
| Boston, MA | $135,711 | $121,871 | Immigration +$13,840 |
| London, UK | £80,930 | £71,325 | Immigration +$9,605 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$139,842 | CA$124,987 | Immigration +$14,855 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Immigration Attorney or Family Law Attorney earn more?+
A Immigration Attorney earns more on average. The national median salary for a Immigration Attorney is $105,000/year, compared to $92,000/year for a Family Law Attorney — a difference of $13,000 (14%).
Which has better career growth — Immigration Attorney or Family Law Attorney?+
Immigration Attorney roles are growing at 14% YoY while Family Law Attorney demand is growing at 5% YoY. Immigration Attorney has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Immigration Attorney to Family Law 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 Family Law Attorney?+
Immigration Attorney has a lower AI automation risk (20% vs 22%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.