LegalOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Intellectual Property Attorney Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$493,587/yr
Typical range: $380,190 – $484,865
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Intellectual Property Attorney salary by experience level in Seattle
Intellectual Property Attorney Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $168,400 | $14,033 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $226,469 | $18,872 | +34% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $269,053 | $22,421 | +60% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $330,993 | $27,583 | +97% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $493,587 | $41,132 | +193% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $679,407 | $56,617 | +303% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $725,863 | $60,489 | +331% |
Current Salary
$493,587
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $237/hr
Next Level Target
$679,407
Principal · 14
+$186Kpotential 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 Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Intellectual Property Attorneys in Seattle, WA earn approximately $494K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $494K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $237/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Intellectual Property Attorney in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Intellectual Property Attorney in Seattle, WA earns $380K–$485K/yr.