LegalOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Patent Attorney Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$355,472/yr
Typical range: $273,805 – $349,190
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Patent Attorney salary by experience level in Austin
Patent Attorney Salary Progression in Austin
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 | $121,279 | $10,107 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $163,099 | $13,592 | +34% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $193,767 | $16,147 | +60% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $238,375 | $19,865 | +97% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $355,472 | $29,623 | +193% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $489,296 | $40,775 | +303% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $522,753 | $43,563 | +331% |
Current Salary
$355,472
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $171/hr
Next Level Target
$489,296
Principal · 14
+$134Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
47/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Patent Attorney salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Patent Attorneys in Austin, TX earn approximately $355K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Patent Attorney make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $355K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $171/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Patent Attorney in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Patent Attorney in Austin, TX earns $274K–$349K/yr.