LegalOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Immigration Attorney Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$293,454/yr
Typical range: $226,036 – $288,269
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Immigration Attorney salary by experience level in San Francisco
Immigration Attorney Salary Progression in San Francisco
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 | $100,120 | $8,343 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $134,644 | $11,220 | +34% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $159,961 | $13,330 | +60% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $196,787 | $16,399 | +97% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $293,454 | $24,455 | +193% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $403,931 | $33,661 | +303% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $431,550 | $35,963 | +331% |
Current Salary
$293,454
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $141/hr
Next Level Target
$403,931
Principal · 14
+$110Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
52/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Immigration Attorney salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Immigration Attorneys in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $293K 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 San Francisco, CA?
Based on $293K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $141/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Immigration Attorney in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Immigration Attorney in San Francisco, CA earns $226K–$288K/yr.