Lawyer / Attorney vs Intellectual Property Attorney: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Lawyer / Attorney
Advise clients and represent them in legal proceedings.
Intellectual Property Attorney
Protect patents, trademarks, and copyrights for clients.
Intellectual Property Attorney earns more on average — the national median is $45,000/year (35%) higher than a Lawyer / Attorney. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Lawyer / Attorney vs Intellectual Property Attorney — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Lawyer / Attorney | Intellectual Property Attorney | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $193,282 | $252,462 | Lawyer $59,180 |
| New York, NY | $160,319 | $207,741 | Lawyer $47,422 |
| Seattle, WA | $181,889 | $255,528 | Lawyer $73,639 |
| Austin, TX | $143,827 | $200,938 | Lawyer $57,111 |
| Chicago, IL | $139,311 | $188,169 | Lawyer $48,858 |
| Boston, MA | $168,407 | $231,758 | Lawyer $63,351 |
| London, UK | £87,870 | £137,983 | Lawyer $50,113 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$163,998 | CA$234,008 | Lawyer $70,010 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Lawyer / Attorney or Intellectual Property Attorney earn more?+
A Intellectual Property Attorney earns more on average. The national median salary for a Lawyer / Attorney is $130,000/year, compared to $175,000/year for a Intellectual Property Attorney — a difference of $45,000 (35%).
Which has better career growth — Lawyer / Attorney or Intellectual Property Attorney?+
Lawyer / Attorney roles are growing at 8% YoY while Intellectual Property Attorney demand is growing at 10% YoY. Intellectual Property Attorney has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Lawyer / Attorney to Intellectual Property Attorney?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Lawyer / Attorney or Intellectual Property Attorney?+
Intellectual Property Attorney has a lower AI automation risk (20% vs 22%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.