How Much Does an IP Attorney Make? (2025)
Understanding the IP attorney salary is important for employers and job candidates. As of June 16, 2025, the average IP attorney salary in the United States is $173,290 per year or $81 per hour.
This salary guide covers the IP attorney role, including what the job involves, how much it pays, and the factors that affect salary.
What Does an IP Attorney Do?
An IP Attorney is responsible for drafting legal documents, evaluating corporate policy, and litigating property issues. They are also tasked with the preparation of patent or trademark materials, license arrangements, contract of service transfer agreements, and other required contracts or agreements. An Intellectual Property Attorney assists in safeguarding the company's assets related to intellectual property.
This role requires a Juris Doctor degree and an admittance to a state bar. According to Salary.com’s data, this career path typically requires 0 to 2 years of related experience.
What is an IP Attorney Salary Overview?
As mentioned above, the average intellectual property attorney salary in the United States is $173,290 per year or $81 per hour, as of June 16, 2025.
Based on our data, the IP attorney's salary is between $142,532 to $198,317 per year, with most earnings reported between $157,190 and $186,390. The IP attorney salary per month is $14,016.
Moreover, the salary of an IP attorney often ranges an average of $81 per hour, with hourly rates ranging from $66 to $94. The average weekly salary of an IP attorney is $3,234, with pay ranging from $2,621 to $3,767.
2025 IP Attorney Average Salary: $173,290 per year ($81 per hour)
Meanwhile, the core median salary of an IP attorney is $203,790 per year. This includes salary and bonuses and varies depending on the percentile.
| Percentile | Salary + Bonus |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $170,548 |
| 25th Percentile | $186,390 |
| 50th Percentile | $203,790 |
| 75th Percentile | $225,490 |
| 90th Percentile | $245,247 |
The average total salary of an IP attorney is $274,737, according to our report. The total compensation package for the job title includes benefits like time off ($25,082), Social Security ($13,873), and pension ($11,005), which make up 18.1% of the total compensation.
| Core Compensation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median | % of Total | |
| Base Salary | $168,190 | 61.2% |
| Bonus | $35,600 | 13.0% |
| Value of Benefits | ||
| Social Security | $13,873 | 5.0% |
| 401K/403B | $8,559 | 3.1% |
| Disability | $4,076 | 1.5% |
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 3.0% |
| Pension | $11,005 | 4.0% |
| Time Off | $25,082 | 9.1% |
| Total Compensation | $274,737 | 100% |
What Can Affect IP Attorney Salaries?
The salary of an IP attorney varies based on factors such as experience, geographical location, and skills. Here's a breakdown of these key factors:
By Experience Level
According to our report, IP attorneys with less than one year of experience earn an average salary of $169,311 per year. In contrast, those with eight or more years of experience can expect to earn an average of $174,759 per year.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level IP Attorney I | $169,311 |
| Intermediate Level IP Attorney I | $170,878 |
| Senior Level IP Attorney I | $173,789 |
| Specialist Level IP Attorney I | $174,371 |
| Expert Level IP Attorney I | $174,759 |
By Geographic Location
Apart from experience level, the salary of an IP attorney in the United States also varies by location, influenced by factors such as cost of living, local economy, and industry presence.
For example, among major cities in the United States, salary of IP attorneys in San Jose has the highest average salary at $218,490 per year, while Miami and Dallas report lower median salaries of $166,490 and $171,090 per year, respectively.
| City | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, California | $198,290 | $218,490 | $235,190 |
| San Francisco, California | $196,290 | $216,390 | $232,790 |
| Washington, D.C. | $174,090 | $191,790 | $206,390 |
| Miami, Florida | $151,090 | $166,490 | $179,090 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $162,490 | $178,990 | $192,690 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $175,290 | $193,190 | $207,890 |
| New York, New York | $182,190 | $200,790 | $216,090 |
| Dallas, Texas | $155,290 | $171,090 | $184,090 |
By Skills
High-demand skills drive salary increases for IP attorneys. Our Real-Time Job Posting Salary Data Report shows that those with commercial law skills see a salary increase of +6.83%, while those with legal analysis skills see an increase of +6.60%. The demand for these skills is 13.86% and 13.76%, respectively.
| Skill | Salary Growth | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Law | +6.83% | 13.86% |
| Legal Analysis | +6.60% | 13.76% |
| Legal Case Management Software | +6.03% | 13.66% |
| Contract Compliance | +5.98% | 14.06% |
| Legal Writing | +5.72% | 13.96% |
| Legal Document Review | +5.72% | 13.86% |
How to Become an IP Attorney?
If you're eyeing to become an intellectual property attorney, you’ll need a mix of analytical, communication, problem-solving, and research skills. Here’s how to become one:
- Earn a degree: According to BLS, attorneys generally require a Juris Doctor degree and a state license, which normally necessitates the successful completion of a bar examination. The career path generally necessitates 7 years of full-time schooling following high school, 4 years of undergraduate study, and 3 years of education in law.
- Obtain license, certifications, and registrations: Aspirant attorneys undertake a license examination known as the bar exam. Most states have implemented the Uniform Bar Exam, administered by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), according to BLS. The supreme court of each state establishes the criteria for bar admission. Federal court regulations are unique, with stipulations varying depending on state and jurisdiction.
- Gain necessary experience: Entry-level IP attorney's salary earns $169,311 per year while those with eight or more years of experience earn $174,759, according to Salary.com data. Gaining the necessary experience will help your journey to becoming an IP attorney. Recently appointed attorneys typically begin their careers as associates, collaborating with experienced lawyers in teams. Certain attorneys progress to partnership status, signifying their partial ownership of the firm.
- Develop key skills: According to BLS, attorneys require a diverse array of essential skills for success. Analytical skills enable the interpretation of laws and the application of pertinent information to cases. Communication skills are crucial for articulating legal issues and drafting accurate documentation. Robust interpersonal abilities enable them to cultivate relationships within the legal community.
What are the FAQs about IP Attorney?
Here are some common questions about intellectual property attorney salary:
Is an IP attorney a good job?
Yes, being an intellectual property attorney is generally a good job. The role earns an average of $173, 290, which is $81 per hour. And an intellectual property attorney's salary significantly varies depending on location and experience level. For example, among major cities in the United States, San Jose has the highest average salary at $218,490 per year
What skills do you need to be an IP Attorney?
According to BLS, attorneys must possess strong intellectual, communicative, and interpersonal abilities to analyze legislation, clarify legal issues, and cultivate connections. They require persuasion, problem-solving, and research abilities to advocate cases, address challenges, and identify pertinent laws. Salary.com data shows that those with commercial law skills see a salary increase of +6.83%, while those with legal analysis skills see an increase of +6.60%
What degree do you need to be an IP Attorney?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that attorneys typically need a Juris Doctor degree and a state license, which usually requires passing a bar test. The position generally necessitates 7 years of full-time schooling following high school: 4 years of undergraduate study and 3 years of legal education.
What is the difference between a patent attorney and an IP attorney?
A patent attorney is qualified in both patent law and general law, allowing them to file patents and represent clients in court. While both patent attorneys and IP attorneys work with intellectual property, only patent attorneys qualify to handle patents directly. If you're an engineer or have a biology background, it’s worth considering this path, as it’s valuable for those who want to pursue legal protection for inventions, learn the system, and take legal action. To succeed, one must read, meet exam requirements, and find the right opportunities.
