LegalOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Intellectual Property Attorney Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$133,282/yr
Typical range: $137,606 – $175,493
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Intellectual Property Attorney salary by experience level in Chicago
Intellectual Property Attorney Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $133,282 | $11,107 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $179,242 | $14,937 | +34% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $212,945 | $17,745 | +60% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $261,969 | $21,831 | +97% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $390,655 | $32,555 | +193% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $537,725 | $44,810 | +303% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $574,493 | $47,874 | +331% |
Current Salary
$133,282
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $64/hr
Next Level Target
$179,242
Junior · 2
+$46Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
46/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Intellectual Property Attorney salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Intellectual Property Attorneys in Chicago, IL earn approximately $133K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Intellectual Property Attorney make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $133K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $64/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Intellectual Property Attorney in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Intellectual Property Attorney in Chicago, IL earns $301K–$384K/yr.