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IP Attorney Salary in California

How much does an IP Attorney make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an IP Attorney in California is $124,238 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $60.

However, an IP Attorney's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $140,130
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $116,489 to $132,556
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $109,434
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out IP Attorney Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence IP Attorney Salaries

An IP Attorney's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects IP Attorney Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an IP Attorney's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $88,123
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $105,820
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $122,505
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $155,055
  • Expert (over 8 years): $179,022
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Aerospace Engineer I less than 1 year $88,123
Aerospace Engineer II 1-2 years $105,820
IP Attorney 2-4 years $122,505
Aerospace Engineer IV 5-8 years $155,055
Aerospace Engineer V over 8 years $179,022

How Do IP Attorney Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract IP Attorneys. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $124,711.
  • California: $124,238.
  • Massachusetts: $122,582.

Top Paying Cities for IP Attorney

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $124,452
  • West Hollywood: $124,361
  • Dodgertown: $124,450

IP Attorney Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For IP Attorney roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, IP Attorney positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view IP Attorney as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an IP Attorney

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking $167,721 $81.0 35%
Energy & Utilities $155,297 $75.0 25%
Aerospace & Defense $142,873 $69.0 15%
MFG Durable $130,449 $63.0 5%

IP Attorney Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an IP Attorney's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$116,489
Average $124,238/year
$132,556
$9,707
Average $10,353/month
$11,046
$2,240
Average $2,389/week
$2,549
$56
Average $60/hour
$64
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $132,556 $11,046 $2,549 $64
Average $124,238 $10,353 $2,389 $60
25th Percentile $116,489 $9,707 $2,240 $56

Find Your Next IP Attorney Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current IP Attorney job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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    IP Physical Therapist

    L.E. Cox Medical Centers | SPRING LAKE, IL

    Description :Job Summary This Physical Therapist (PT) will provide care to young adult thru geriatric populations in a variety of settings to include IP Re... more

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  • Charles V. Hardenbergh Pc | LEXINGTON, VA

    Associate Attorney

    Charles V. Hardenbergh Pc | LEXINGTON, VA

    Our law firm has a full-time associate attorney position available now, and we're looking for the right professional to join our team. You will have the op... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Safe Harbor Wills and Trusts | CAMILLUS, NY

    Attorney Law

    Safe Harbor Wills and Trusts | CAMILLUS, NY

    Safe Harbor Wills & Trusts is a growing estate planning and elder law firm serving families throughout Central and Northern New York. We help clients prote... more

    4 Days Ago

  • State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company | PHILADELPHIA, PA

    Attorney

    State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company | PHILADELPHIA, PA

    Location US-PA-Philadelphia. Job Category Legal, Compliance, and Risk Management. Position Type Regular Full Time. Req ID 45654. Overview. Being good neigh... more

    22 Days Ago

  • State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company | CHICAGO, IL

    Attorney

    State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company | CHICAGO, IL

    Location US-IL-Chicago. Job Category Legal, Compliance, and Risk Management. Position Type Regular Full Time. Req ID 44921. Overview. Being good neighbors ... more

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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