Lawyer / Attorney vs Immigration Attorney: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Lawyer / Attorney
Advise clients and represent them in legal proceedings.
Immigration Attorney
Advise individuals and corporations on visa applications and immigration law.
Lawyer / Attorney earns more on average — the national median is $25,000/year (24%) higher than a Immigration Attorney. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Lawyer / Attorney vs Immigration Attorney — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Lawyer / Attorney | Immigration Attorney | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $193,282 | $149,706 | Lawyer +$43,576 |
| New York, NY | $160,319 | $124,549 | Lawyer +$35,770 |
| Seattle, WA | $181,889 | $149,001 | Lawyer +$32,888 |
| Austin, TX | $143,827 | $115,332 | Lawyer +$28,495 |
| Chicago, IL | $139,311 | $113,310 | Lawyer +$26,001 |
| Boston, MA | $168,407 | $135,711 | Lawyer +$32,696 |
| London, UK | £87,870 | £80,930 | Lawyer +$6,940 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$163,998 | CA$139,842 | Lawyer +$24,156 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Lawyer / Attorney or Immigration Attorney earn more?+
A Lawyer / Attorney earns more on average. The national median salary for a Lawyer / Attorney is $130,000/year, compared to $105,000/year for a Immigration Attorney — a difference of $25,000 (24%).
Which has better career growth — Lawyer / Attorney or Immigration Attorney?+
Lawyer / Attorney roles are growing at 8% YoY while Immigration Attorney demand is growing at 14% YoY. Immigration Attorney has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Lawyer / Attorney 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 — Lawyer / Attorney or Immigration Attorney?+
Immigration Attorney has a lower AI automation risk (20% vs 22%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.