LegalOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Intellectual Property Attorney Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$364,497/yr
Typical range: $280,757 – $358,056
P90 · 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% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $244,427 | $20,369 | +97% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$364,497
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $175/hr
Next Level Target
$501,719
Principal · 14
+$137Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
46/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Intellectual Property Attorney salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Intellectual Property Attorneys in Chicago, IL earn approximately $364K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Intellectual Property Attorney make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $364K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $175/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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.