LegalOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Immigration Attorney Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$258,424/yr
Typical range: $199,053 – $253,857
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Immigration Attorney salary by experience level in Washington DC
Immigration Attorney Salary Progression in Washington DC
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 | $88,168 | $7,347 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $118,571 | $9,881 | +34% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $140,866 | $11,739 | +60% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $173,296 | $14,441 | +97% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $258,424 | $21,535 | +193% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $355,713 | $29,643 | +303% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $380,035 | $31,670 | +331% |
Current Salary
$258,424
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $124/hr
Next Level Target
$355,713
Principal · 14
+$97Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
52/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Immigration Attorney salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Immigration Attorneys in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $258K 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 Washington DC, DC?
Based on $258K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $124/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Immigration Attorney in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Immigration Attorney in Washington DC, DC earns $199K–$254K/yr.