LegalOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Immigration Attorney Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$206,450/yr
Typical range: $159,020 – $202,802
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Immigration Attorney salary by experience level in Chicago
Immigration Attorney Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $70,436 | $5,870 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $94,724 | $7,894 | +34% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $112,535 | $9,378 | +60% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $138,443 | $11,537 | +97% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $206,450 | $17,204 | +193% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $284,172 | $23,681 | +303% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $303,603 | $25,300 | +331% |
Current Salary
$206,450
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $99/hr
Next Level Target
$284,172
Principal · 14
+$78Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
52/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Immigration Attorney salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Immigration Attorneys in Chicago, IL earn approximately $206K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Immigration Attorney make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $206K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $99/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Immigration Attorney in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Immigration Attorney in Chicago, IL earns $159K–$203K/yr.