LegalOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior Intellectual Property Attorney Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$316,260/yr
Typical range: $363,266 – $463,282
P75 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Intellectual Property Attorney salary by experience level in Washington DC
Intellectual Property Attorney Salary Progression in Washington DC
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 | $160,904 | $13,409 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $216,388 | $18,032 | +34% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $257,077 | $21,423 | +60% |
| SeniorThis page | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $316,260 | $26,355 | +97% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $471,616 | $39,301 | +193% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $649,165 | $54,097 | +303% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $693,553 | $57,796 | +331% |
Current Salary
$316,260
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $152/hr
Next Level Target
$471,616
Staff · 10
+$155Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
46/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior Intellectual Property Attorney salary in Washington DC, DC?
Senior Intellectual Property Attorneys in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $316K 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 Washington DC, DC?
Based on $316K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $152/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior to senior Intellectual Property Attorney in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Intellectual Property Attorney in Washington DC, DC earns $363K–$463K/yr.