Staff / Lead Intellectual Property Attorney Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
Typical range: $363,266 – $463,282
P90 · 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% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $316,260 | $26,355 | +97% |
| StaffThis page | 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% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Intellectual Property Attorney salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Intellectual Property Attorneys in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $472K 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 Washington DC, DC?
Based on $472K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $227/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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.