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IP Attorney I Salary in the United States

How much does an IP Attorney I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an IP Attorney I in the United States is $168,590 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $81.

However, an IP Attorney I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $199,730
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $151,390 to $184,890
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $135,730
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence IP Attorney I Salaries

An IP Attorney I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do IP Attorney I Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract IP Attorney Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $186,690.
  • California: $185,990.
  • Massachusetts: $183,490.

Top Paying Cities for IP Attorney Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $212,690
  • San Francisco: $210,290
  • Oakland: $205,890

What Skills Can Increase an IP Attorney I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Planning (Mentioned in 3.83% Job Postings): An act or process of making or carrying out plans. Establishment of goals, policies, and procedures for a social or economic unit city planning business planning.
  • Intellectual Property (Mentioned in 2.7% Job Postings): Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind. It can be an invention (patent / utility model), a design (industrial design), a brand name (trademark, or a literary and artistic work (copyright).
  • Blockchain (Mentioned in 2.19% Job Postings): Blockchain is the grow list of records, called blocks, which are securely linked together using cryptography.
Skills Demand Percentage
Planning 3.83%
Intellectual Property 2.7%
Blockchain 2.19%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an IP Attorney I's salary.

  • Bankruptcy: Can increase your salary by up to 49%.
  • Cost Control: Can increase your salary by up to 20%.
  • Case Management: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Bankruptcy $251,199
49%
Cost Control $202,308
20%
Case Management $190,507
13%
Get Latest Data

IP Attorney I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

IP Attorney I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $188,406. While startup companies pay approximate $159,373.

IP Attorney I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $159,373
Growth Stage 51~500 $168,552
Established 501~5000 $181,930
Enterprise 5000+ $188,406

IP Attorney I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For IP Attorney I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, IP Attorney positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view IP Attorney I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an IP Attorney I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$202,308$97.020%
Internet$202,308$97.020%
Pharmaceuticals$202,308$97.020%
Software & Networking$202,308$97.020%
Financial Services$193,878$93.015%

How Education impacts an IP Attorney I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many IP Attorney Is enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an IP Attorney I with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $167,347 and $174,929).

IP Attorney I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for IP Attorney I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.8%
High School 1.8%
Associates 7.0%
Bachelors 7.0%
Masters 7.0%
Doctorate 84.2%
View as Graph

IP Attorney I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an IP Attorney I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$151,390
Average $168,590/year
$184,890
$12,616
Average $14,049/month
$15,408
$2,911
Average $3,242/week
$3,556
$73
Average $81/hour
$89
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $184,890 $15,408 $3,556 $89
Average $168,590 $14,049 $3,242 $81
25th Percentile $151,390 $12,616 $2,911 $73

IP Attorney I Salary Growth & Career Path

IP Attorney I

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Advancement

For an IP Attorney I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Attorney, Experienced - Intellectual Property role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $195,300 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.

Most common benefits for IP Attorney I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for IP Attorney I

Here are companies hiring for IP Attorney I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about IP Attorney I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for IP Attorney I?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for IP Attorney I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. How to make $500,000 a year as a lawyer?

To achieve a $500,000 annual income as a lawyer, consider these strategies: Develop a high-performance law firm website, create valuable content, optimize ads for visibility, enhance client reviews and listings, and actively manage your legal reputation. With IP Attorneys earning between $155,690 and $184,590, focusing on niche markets and high-value clients can significantly boost your earnings.

3. Where do IP lawyers make the most money?

IP Attorneys typically earn between $155,690 and $184,590 annually, with a median salary of $171,590. While some regions like the District of Columbia and New York report higher salaries, the overall range indicates a competitive compensation for this profession.

4. What kind of lawyers make millions?

As of 2024, some of the highest-paid lawyers include Patent Attorneys and Intellectual Property (IP) Attorneys, with salaries ranging from $155,690 to $184,590. Other lucrative fields are Trial Lawyers, Tax Attorneys, and Corporate Lawyers. These professionals often command significant earnings, reflecting their expertise and the complexity of their work.

5. Can you make money from trademarking?

Yes, you can make money from trademarking. Registering a trademark not only protects your brand but can also be a lucrative asset. With salaries for IP Attorneys ranging from $155,690 to $184,590, the expertise in managing trademarks can lead to significant financial rewards. Some trademarks are valued in the billions, showcasing their potential profitability.

6. Who is the highest paid lawyer in us?

The highest-paid lawyers in the U.S. can earn substantial salaries, with IP Attorneys typically making between $155,690 and $184,590 annually. While Peter Angelos is noted for his wealth, the average salary for IP Attorneys reflects a different scale, emphasizing the diverse earnings within the legal profession.

7. How much do intellectual property lawyers make in the US?

Intellectual Property Attorneys in the US earn between $155,690 and $184,590 annually, with a median salary of approximately $171,590. These figures reflect the range of salaries based on industry data, providing a clearer picture of compensation in this specialized legal field.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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