LegalOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior Intellectual Property Attorney Salary in Chicago
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$244,427/yr
Typical range: $280,757 – $358,056
P75 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $124,358 | $10,363 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $167,240 | $13,937 | +34% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $198,687 | $16,557 | +60% |
| SeniorThis page | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $244,427 | $20,369 | +97% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $364,497 | $30,375 | +193% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $501,719 | $41,810 | +303% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $536,025 | $44,669 | +331% |
Current Salary
$244,427
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $118/hr
Next Level Target
$364,497
Staff · 10
+$120Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
46/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior Intellectual Property Attorney salary in Chicago, IL?
Senior Intellectual Property Attorneys in Chicago, IL earn approximately $244K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior Intellectual Property Attorney make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $244K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $118/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior to senior Intellectual Property Attorney in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Intellectual Property Attorney in Chicago, IL earns $281K–$358K/yr.