LegalOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Patent Attorney Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$443,807/yr
Typical range: $341,846 – $435,965
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Patent Attorney salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Patent Attorney Salary Progression in Los Angeles
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 | $151,417 | $12,618 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $203,629 | $16,969 | +34% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $241,918 | $20,160 | +60% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $297,612 | $24,801 | +97% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $443,807 | $36,984 | +193% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $610,887 | $50,907 | +303% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $652,658 | $54,388 | +331% |
Current Salary
$443,807
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $213/hr
Next Level Target
$610,887
Principal · 14
+$167Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
47/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Patent Attorney salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Patent Attorneys in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $444K 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 Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $444K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $213/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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.