LegalOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years

Senior Patent Attorney Salary in Los Angeles

2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.

$297,612/yr

Typical range: $341,846 $435,965

P75 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

Patent Attorney Salary Progression in Los Angeles

From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
Entry0 yrs0 yrs$151,417$12,618
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$203,629$16,969+34%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$241,918$20,160+60%
SeniorThis page6 yrs6 yrs$297,612$24,801+97%
Staff10 yrs10 yrs$443,807$36,984+193%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$610,887$50,907+303%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$652,658$54,388+331%
Current Salary
$297,612
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $143/hr
Next Level Target
$443,807
Staff · 10
+$146Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
47/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the senior Patent Attorney salary in Los Angeles, CA?

Senior Patent Attorneys in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $298K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.

How much does a senior Patent Attorney make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?

Based on $298K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $143/hr (2,080-hour work year).

How do I get from senior to senior Patent Attorney in Los Angeles, CA?

The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Patent Attorney in Los Angeles, CA earns $342K–$436K/yr.