Associate Attorney H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 1,897 certified H-1B filings for Associate Attorney positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $165,443, which is 27% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Associate Attorney H-1B salaries fall between $102,500 and $225,000.
Median Salary Trend
Associate Attorney salaries have grown -22% from FY 2020 ($160,000) to FY 2026 ($125,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Associate Attorney
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| SIMPSON THACHER & BARTLETT LLP | 125 | $260,000 |
| GIBSON, DUNN & CRUTCHER LLP | 87 | $225,000 |
| SIDLEY AUSTIN (US) LLP | 83 | $225,000 |
| MAYER BROWN LLP | 57 | $225,000 |
| DEBEVOISE & PLIMPTON LLP | 49 | $304,990 |
| CRAVATH, SWAINE & MOORE LLP | 40 | $190,000 |
| SHEARMAN & STERLING LLP | 36 | $220,000 |
| BAKER & MCKENZIE LLP | 34 | $250,000 |
| O'MELVENY & MYERS LLP | 24 | $220,000 |
| SIDLEY AUSTIN LLP | 22 | $215,000 |
Top Locations for Associate Attorney
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 842 | $215,000 |
| Washington, DC (all jobs) | 83 | $205,000 |
| Los Angeles, CA (all jobs) | 83 | $190,000 |
| Chicago, IL (all jobs) | 59 | $155,000 |
| San Francisco, CA (all jobs) | 52 | $210,000 |
| Palo Alto, CA | 49 | $225,000 |
| Houston, TX | 35 | $215,000 |
| Miami, FL | 32 | $117,999 |
| Dallas, TX | 28 | $165,000 |
| Atlanta, GA | 24 | $97,300 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Associate Attorney is $165,443, based on 1,897 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 27% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown -22% since FY 2020 ($160,000 → $125,000).
Salaries span a $219,990 range from the 10th percentile ($85,000) to the 90th percentile ($304,990). The middle 50% of Associate Attorneys earn between $102,500 and $225,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
SIMPSON THACHER & BARTLETT LLP is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 125 certified filings at a median salary of $260,000. Among the top sponsors, DEBEVOISE & PLIMPTON LLP pays the highest median at $304,990. The pay spread across top employers is 61%.
Geographically, New York, NY has the highest concentration of Associate Attorney H-1B filings (842) at a median of $215,000. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Palo Alto, CA at $225,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Associate Attorney H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Associate Attorney positions is $165,443, based on 1,897 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 27% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $225,000 to $304,990, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $85,000 to $102,500. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $85,000
- 25th percentile
- $102,500
- Median
- $165,443
- 75th percentile
- $225,000
- 90th percentile
- $304,990
Salaries range from $85,000 at the 10th percentile to $304,990 at the 90th percentile, showing a $219,990 spread. The 25th percentile is $102,500 and the 75th percentile is $225,000.
Which companies hire the most Associate Attorneys on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Associate Attorney positions spans various industries and employer types. The top sponsors reflect where demand for this role is highest, with compensation varying based on employer size, industry sector, and geographic location. Larger employers often have established visa sponsorship programs and immigration support.
SIMPSON THACHER & BARTLETT LLP is the largest H-1B sponsor for Associate Attorney positions with 125 filings at a median salary of $260,000. GIBSON, DUNN & CRUTCHER LLP follows with 87 filings.
Where are Associate Attorney H-1B jobs located?
Associate Attorney H-1B positions are concentrated in major tech hubs and metropolitan areas with strong technology ecosystems. The San Francisco Bay Area (including San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Mountain View) and Seattle-Redmond corridor dominate due to headquarters of major tech employers. New York City attracts Associate Attorneys across finance, media, and tech sectors. Emerging hubs like Austin, Denver, and Raleigh-Durham offer growing opportunities with lower costs of living compared to coastal cities.
New York, NY has the highest concentration of Associate Attorney H-1B filings with 842 positions at a median salary of $215,000.
How have Associate Attorney salaries changed over time?
Associate Attorney H-1B salaries have changed by -22% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $160,000 to $125,000 during this period. This growth reflects increasing demand for skilled tech workers, competitive hiring among major employers, and broader salary inflation in the technology sector. The distribution has also widened, with top-tier companies offering increasingly premium compensation to attract talent, while entry-level positions have seen more modest gains.
Year-by-year breakdown:
- FY 2022: $205,000 (293 certified)
- FY 2023: $160,000 (271 certified)
- FY 2024: $153,254 (339 certified)
- FY 2025: $160,000 (406 certified)
- FY 2026: $125,000 (46 certified)