▼19%
$163,385
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$115k
MEDIAN
$163k
90%
$308k
The average salary for a Patent Attorney is $163,385 in 2025
Base Salary
$115k - $308k
Bonus
$15k - $37k
Profit Sharing
$0 - $26k
Total Pay
$115k - $359k
Is Average Patent Attorney Salary in San Jose, California your job title? Find out what you should be paid
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Patent Attorneys?
▲13%
What Do Patent Attorneys Do?
Patent Attorney Tasks
- Discuss invention and research the likelihood of successfully attaining a patent.
- Litigates patent infringement controversies in court.
- Works with federal patent examiners to resolve any patent related issues.
- Describe inventions in strict legal terms and drafts patent application; challenge, negotiate, resolve and amend contested patent areas.
- Analyze scientific and technical documents previously granted patents to determine if invention is new, innovative and does not infringe upon patented items.
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Patent Attorney
Medical
100%
Dental
100%
Vision
86%
Gender Breakdown for Patent Attorneys
Male
66.7%
Female
33.3%
This data is based on 3 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Patent Attorneys
What is the highest pay for Patent Attorneys in San Jose?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Patent Attorney in San Jose is $308k / year
What is the lowest pay for Patent Attorneys in San Jose?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Patent Attorney in San Jose is $115k / year
How can Patent Attorneys increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Patent Attorney is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Patent Attorney that oversees more junior Patent Attorneys, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.