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Patent Prosecution Attorney II Salary in the United States

How much does a Patent Prosecution Attorney II make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Patent Prosecution Attorney II in the United States is $151,790 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $73.

However, a Patent Prosecution Attorney II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $182,357
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $137,990 to $167,790
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $125,426
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Patent Prosecution Attorney II Salaries

A Patent Prosecution Attorney 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Patent Prosecution Attorney Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Patent Prosecution Attorney 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:

  • Patent Agent/Attorney I (0-2 years): $104,348
  • Patent Prosecution Attorney II (2-4 years): $151,727
  • Patent Agent/Attorney III (4-7 years): $172,609
  • Patent Agent/Attorney IV (7+ years): $200,281
  • Patent Agent/Attorney V (7-10 years): $252,904
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Patent Agent/Attorney I0-2 years$104,348
Patent Prosecution Attorney II2-4 years$151,727
Patent Agent/Attorney III4-7 years$172,609
Patent Agent/Attorney IV7+ years$200,281
Patent Agent/Attorney V7-10 years$252,904
View as Graph

How Do Patent Prosecution Attorney II 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 Patent Prosecution Attorney IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $167,990.
  • California: $167,390.
  • Massachusetts: $165,190.

Top Paying Cities for Patent Prosecution Attorney IIs

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: $191,390
  • San Francisco: $189,290
  • Oakland: $185,290

What Skills Can Increase a Patent Prosecution Attorney II's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Negotiating (Mentioned in 4% Job Postings): Applying negotiation concepts and techniques in a dialogue between two or more parties to reach a win-win solution.
  • Cost Control (Mentioned in 3.03% Job Postings): Managing and analyzing financial data in determining and reducing business expenses to increase revenue and profitability.
  • Blockchain (Mentioned in 2.06% Job Postings): Blockchain is the grow list of records, called blocks, which are securely linked together using cryptography.
Skills Demand Percentage
Negotiating 4%
Cost Control 3.03%
Blockchain 2.06%
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 a Patent Prosecution Attorney II's salary.

  • Cost Control: Can increase your salary by up to 23%.
  • Mediation: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Confidentiality: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Cost Control $186,702
23%
Mediation $160,897
6%
Confidentiality $159,380
5%
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Patent Prosecution Attorney II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Patent Prosecution Attorney II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $169,632. While startup companies pay approximate $143,491.

Patent Prosecution Attorney II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $143,491
Growth Stage 51~500 $151,756
Established 501~5000 $163,801
Enterprise 5000+ $169,632

Patent Prosecution Attorney II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Patent Prosecution Attorney II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 90% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Patent Prosecution Attorney positions in Software & Networking or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Patent Prosecution Attorney II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Patent Prosecution Attorney II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$212,506$102.040%
Financial Services$197,327$95.030%
Biotechnology$189,738$91.025%
Energy & Utilities$182,148$88.020%
Healthcare$174,558$84.015%

How Education impacts a Patent Prosecution Attorney II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Patent Prosecution Attorney IIs 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 a Patent Prosecution Attorney II with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $151,435 and $170,189).

Patent Prosecution Attorney II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Patent Prosecution Attorney II
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 2.4%
High School 2.4%
Associates 9.5%
Bachelors 7.1%
Masters 9.5%
Doctorate 81.0%
View as Graph

Patent Prosecution Attorney II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Patent Prosecution Attorney 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 September 01, 2026
$137,990
Average $151,790/year
$167,790
$11,499
Average $12,649/month
$13,983
$2,654
Average $2,919/week
$3,227
$66
Average $73/hour
$81
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $167,790 $13,983 $3,227 $81
Average $151,790 $12,649 $2,919 $73
25th Percentile $137,990 $11,499 $2,654 $66

Patent Prosecution Attorney II Salary Growth & Career Path

Patent Prosecution Attorney II

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Patent Prosecution Attorney II, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Patent Agent (Non-Attorney) $108,000 -29%
Patent Agent/Attorney III $172,610 14%

Most common benefits for Patent Prosecution Attorney II

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

Common company salaries for Patent Prosecution Attorney II

Here are companies hiring for Patent Prosecution Attorney II and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Patent Prosecution Attorney II

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Patent Prosecution Attorney II?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Patent Prosecution Attorney II roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

2. What is the highest salary for a patent lawyer?

The highest salary for a Patent Prosecution Attorney can reach up to $207,090 per year. In this role, you assist clients in safeguarding their inventions and intellectual property, ensuring they maintain exclusive rights for a designated period. The salary range typically starts at $136,490, with a midpoint of $160,090.

3. Who is the highest paid lawyer in the US?

The highest paid lawyers in the US are typically Patent Prosecution Attorneys, with salaries ranging from a minimum of $136,490 to a mid-level of $160,090, and reaching up to a maximum of $207,090. These professionals specialize in securing patents and navigating complex intellectual property laws, making them highly sought after in the legal field.

4. What is the lowest paid Patent Attorney?

The lowest paid Patent Prosecution Attorney earns a minimum annual salary of $136,490. The average salary is around $160,090, with the potential to earn up to $207,090.

5. What type of lawyer makes the least money?

Patent Prosecution Attorneys typically earn a minimum salary of $136,490, with a mid-range salary of $160,090 and a maximum salary of $207,090. While there are various types of lawyers, those in patent prosecution generally have a higher earning potential compared to many other legal specialties.

6. How much do patent attorneys get paid in the US?

Patent Attorneys in the US typically earn between $136,490 and $207,090 annually. The average salary is around $160,090, reflecting the midpoint of this range. These figures provide a clear overview of the compensation landscape for Patent Prosecution Attorneys in the industry.

7. What kind of lawyers make millions?

Patent lawyers, particularly Patent Prosecution Attorneys, can earn substantial salaries. The minimum salary is around $136,490, with a mid-range salary of approximately $160,090, and top earners making up to $207,090. This makes them among the highest-paid legal professionals, alongside IP attorneys and trial lawyers.

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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