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Entry Level Patent Agent Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Patent Agent information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$58.8K

$119K

$174.2K

How much do entry level patent agent jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level patent agent in Chicago, IL is $119,026.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,900.00 and $118,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Entry Level Patent Agent job?

An Entry Level Patent Agent assists in drafting, filing, and prosecuting patent applications under the guidance of experienced patent attorneys. They work with inventors to understand technological innovations and ensure they meet patentability requirements. Typically, they have passed the USPTO patent bar exam and possess a strong technical background in fields like engineering or science. This role provides hands-on experience in intellectual property law and the patent application process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Patent Agent position, and why are they important?

To excel as an Entry Level Patent Agent, you typically need a degree in a STEM field, strong technical writing skills, and a qualifying score on the USPTO registration exam. Familiarity with patent application software, database research tools, and knowledge of intellectual property law are highly beneficial. Attention to detail, strong communication abilities, and organizational skills are vital soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure accurate patent filings, effective collaboration with inventors and attorneys, and compliance with complex legal standards.

What does a typical day look like for an Entry Level Patent Agent?

A typical day for an Entry Level Patent Agent involves drafting and filing patent applications, conducting prior art searches, and collaborating with inventors to understand the technical aspects of their inventions. You may also respond to communications from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and support attorneys in prosecuting patent applications. The role often requires balancing multiple cases simultaneously, working both independently and as part of a legal or technical team. This position offers extensive learning opportunities and direct exposure to the patent prosecution process, which is valuable for future career growth within intellectual property law.
What are the most commonly searched types of Patent Agent jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Patent Agent jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Patent Agent jobs in Chicago, IL? For Entry Level Patent Agent jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Patent Agent jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Patent Agent jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Patent Agent jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Patent Agent job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Patent Agent job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $119,026 per year, or $57.2 per hour.
Entry Level Patent Agent/Technical Specialist

Entry Level Patent Agent/Technical Specialist

Barnes & Thornburg

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Barnes & Thornburg rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 17 rated law firms


Job description

Patent Agent Or Technical Specialist

Barnes & Thornburg seeks a Patent Agent or Technical Specialist with a strong background in deep AI concepts to support our growing needs across multiple practices. We offer the opportunity to work on innovative projects in artificial intelligence within a collaborative team environment focused on next-generation technology. This position can be based in either our Chicago, Indianapolis, or Minneapolis offices, and recent graduates of local schools are strongly encouraged to apply.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering; a Master's degree is preferred

2. Prior coursework or practical experience (two to three years preferred) in deep AI is a significant asset, technical capability is our highest priority

3. Must demonstrate strong academic achievement, initiative, good character, and interpersonal skills

4. Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, or intent to sit for the patent bar within 12 months of being hired as a technical specialist

Responsibilities:

1. Assist with the preparation and prosecution of U.S. and foreign patent applications in technology-driven industries

2. Support the development and management of patent portfolios

3. Conduct technical research and analysis related to inventions, prior art, and patentability

4. Communicate technical concepts clearly for legal documentation and correspondence

5. Collaborate with attorneys, clients and inventors to understand and protect innovative ideas

6. Stay current on advancements in deep AI concepts, including review of relevant white papers

Equal Employment and Opportunity Statement:

Barnes & Thornburg is committed to equal employment opportunity in both principle and as a matter of policy. We will recruit, hire, train, promote, compensate and provide benefits to all applicants and employees without regard to ancestry, sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, religion, religious creed, mental and/or physical disability, medical condition, military and/or veteran's status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all recruiting, hiring, promotions, upgrades, layoffs, compensation, benefits, terminations and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment. The firm complies fully with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity laws.