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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Patent Counsel in Illinois is $160,298 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $77.
However, a Patent Counsel's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Patent Counsel Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $177,372 | $14,781 | $3,411 | $85 |
| Average | $160,298 | $13,358 | $3,083 | $77 |
| 25th Percentile | $145,901 | $12,158 | $2,806 | $70 |
Allergan - North Chicago, IL
AbbVie - , IL
Allergan - North Chicago, IL
BioSpace - North Chicago, IL
A Patent Counsel'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 a Patent Counsel'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Patent At... Level Patent Counsel | $109,392 |
| Patent Co... Level Patent Counsel | $159,042 |
| Patent At... Level Patent Counsel | $180,936 |
| Patent At... Level Patent Counsel | $209,934 |
| Patent At... Level Patent Counsel | $265,023 |
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 Patent Counsels. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Patent Counsel 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 Counsel positions in Software & Networking or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Patent Counsel as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $224,417 | $108.0 | 40% |
| Financial Services | $208,388 | $100.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $200,373 | $96.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $192,358 | $92.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $184,343 | $89.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Patent Counsel'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $177,372 | $14,781 | $3,411 | $85 |
| Average | $160,298 | $13,358 | $3,083 | $77 |
| 25th Percentile | $145,901 | $12,158 | $2,806 | $70 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Patent Counsel job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
BioSpace
North Chicago, IL
BioSpace | North Chicago, IL
AbbVie is seeking an in-house Associate General Counsel for the Patent Prosecution group, part of the Intellectual Property, Transactions, and Innovation l... more
3 Days Ago
AbbVie
North Chicago, IL
AbbVie | North Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Company Description. About AbbVie. AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that so... more
7 Days Ago
Direct Counsel
Chicago, IL
Direct Counsel | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Direct Counsel is seeking an experienced. Patent Prosecution Attorney. to join a growing Intellectual Property practice. ... more
6 Days Ago
Geodis
BRENTWOOD, TN
Geodis | BRENTWOOD, TN
Corporate Counsel Who We Are: GEODIS specializes in unlocking business value in a complex world, ensuring seamless movement of goods worldwide. As a global... more
3 Days Ago
Amazon
TIMES SQUARE, WA
Amazon | TIMES SQUARE, WA
Amazon is seeking a Corporate Counsel to support Amazon Music’s fast-growing global business. In this role, you will advise on licensing, distribution, pro... more
4 Days Ago
Global Medical Response
WESTMINSTER, CO
Global Medical Response | WESTMINSTER, CO
Job Description: Legal Counsel – Insured Litigation Remote Salary Range $155,000-$185,000 Range Why Choose GMR. Global Medical Response (GMR) and its famil... more
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