As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an IP Counsel II in the United States is $195,117 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $94.
However, an IP Counsel II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An IP Counsel II's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an IP Counsel II's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney, Entry - Intellectual Property | 0-2 years | $168,509 |
| IP Counsel II | 2-4 years | $195,127 |
| Attorney, Senior - Intellectual Property | 4-7 years | $245,932 |
| Attorney, Specialist - Intellectual Property | 7+ years | $280,021 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Counsel IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 3.83% |
| Intellectual Property | 2.7% |
| Blockchain | 2.19% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Financial Services
|
$238,043 |
22%
|
|
Communicates Effectively
|
$208,775 |
7%
|
|
Employment Law
|
$204,873 |
5%
|
|
Confidentiality
|
$204,873 |
5%
|
|
Due Diligence
|
$204,873 |
5%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$204,873 |
5%
|
IP Counsel II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $218,237. While startup companies pay approximate $184,563.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $184,563 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $195,204 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $210,749 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $218,237 |
For IP Counsel II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 85% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, IP Counsel positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view IP Counsel II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $243,896 | $117.0 | 25% |
| Software & Networking | $238,043 | $114.0 | 22% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $230,238 | $111.0 | 18% |
| Biotechnology | $224,385 | $108.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $218,531 | $105.0 | 12% |
Understanding how an IP Counsel II'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 July 01, 2026For an IP Counsel II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Attorney, Senior - Intellectual Property role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $246,000 - a projected growth of 26% over your current level.
Salaries for an IP Counsel II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $150,139 in 2023 to around $145,935 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of IP Counsel II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $150,139 |
| 2024 | $150,756 |
| 2025 | $145,935 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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