LegalOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Patent Attorney Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$119,021/yr
Typical range: $122,882 – $156,714
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Patent Attorney salary by experience level in Chicago
Patent 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $119,021 | $9,918 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $160,062 | $13,339 | +34% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $190,159 | $15,847 | +60% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $233,937 | $19,495 | +97% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $348,854 | $29,071 | +193% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $480,187 | $40,016 | +303% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $513,020 | $42,752 | +331% |
Current Salary
$119,021
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $57/hr
Next Level Target
$160,062
Junior · 2
+$41Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
47/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Patent Attorney salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Patent Attorneys in Chicago, IL earn approximately $119K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Patent Attorney make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $119K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $57/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Patent Attorney in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Patent Attorney in Chicago, IL earns $269K–$343K/yr.