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Patent Examiner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GW Attorneys

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Patent Associate/Patent Agent/Patent Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site

$180K - $260K/yr

Experience as a patent examiner a plus. Position Location: This position is located in the Washington, DC office and is generally offered with a hybrid option of in-office and remote, as required.

BakerHostetler

Patent Scientist

Dallas, TX · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Participate in discussions with patent examiners and support efforts to advance applications toward allowance. * Analyze competitor technologies and intellectual property landscapes to support ...

BakerHostetler

Patent Scientist

Dallas, TX · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Participate in discussions with patent examiners and support efforts to advance applications toward allowance. * Analyze competitor technologies and intellectual property landscapes to support ...

Elanco

Patent Agent

Indianapolis, IN · Hybrid

Previous experience as a Patent Examiner at the USPTO. * Demonstrated ability to communicate complex topics effectively and collaborate in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment. Additional ...

Unified Patents

Senior Patent Counsel

Washington, DC · Remote

Patent examination experience is a plus; clerking experience is a plus; familiarity with ongoing appellate issues affecting PTAB practice is a plus. Must be willing to work within a team, work well ...

Unified Patents

Senior Patent Counsel

Washington, DC · On-site +1

Patent examination experience is a plus; clerking experience is a plus; familiarity with ongoing appellate issues affecting PTAB practice is a plus. Must be willing to work within a team, work well ...

Unified Patents

Senior Patent Counsel

Washington, DC · On-site +1

Patent examination experience is a plus; clerking experience is a plus; familiarity with ongoing appellate issues affecting PTAB practice is a plus. Must be willing to work within a team, work well ...

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Patent Examiner information

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$46.5K

$117.9K

$157K

How much do patent examiner jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for patent examiner in the United States is $117,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $156,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Patent Examiner vs Patent Agent?

AspectPatent ExaminerPatent Agent
Required CredentialsTypically a technical degree, passing the patent bar exam, and employment with a patent officeTechnical degree, passing the patent bar exam, and licensure as a patent agent
Work EnvironmentGovernment patent office, examining patent applicationsPrivate law firms or corporations, preparing and prosecuting patent applications
Industry UsagePrimarily in government agencies like USPTOIn private practice or corporate IP departments

While both Patent Examiners and Patent Agents require a technical background and passing the patent bar exam, Patent Examiners work within government agencies reviewing patent applications, whereas Patent Agents operate in private firms or companies, actively preparing and prosecuting patents for clients.

What are Patent Examiners?

Patent Examiners are professionals who review patent applications to determine whether inventions are new, useful, and non-obvious enough to qualify for patent protection. They analyze technical documents, perform searches for prior art, evaluate the claims made by inventors, and communicate with applicants regarding the status and requirements for their patents. Patent Examiners work for government agencies, such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), to ensure that patents are granted only to inventions that meet legal and technical standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Patent Examiner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Patent Examiner, you need a strong background in science or engineering, analytical thinking, and attention to detail, typically supported by at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with patent databases, classification systems, and electronic case management tools is crucial. Excellent written communication, time management, and critical judgment are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure accurate and efficient patent evaluations, help maintain legal standards, and support innovation protection.

What Does a Patent Examiner Do?

As a patent examiner, your job is to review each application and determine whether or not to grant the patent for a particular invention. In this role, you review legal documents, help file paperwork, search for prior information about an invention, and write legal office actions. You do most of your examination on a computer, so much of your day involves sitting for extended periods. Patent examiners typically focus on one area or industry, such as mechanical engineering or pharmaceuticals. All patent examiner jobs are with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), a part of the Federal government. Other positions that involve examining patents, such as corporate roles designed to help determine if a proposed product is violating someone else's patent, have different titles.

How do Patent Examiners typically collaborate with inventors and patent attorneys during the application review process?

Patent Examiners regularly interact with inventors and patent attorneys to clarify technical details and ensure applications meet legal requirements. This collaboration often involves written correspondence, interviews, or phone calls to discuss prior art, patent claims, and possible amendments. Effective communication skills are important, as Examiners must clearly explain decisions and provide guidance on necessary changes. These interactions are a key part of the review process and help ensure that applications are thoroughly evaluated and applicants understand the reasoning behind any objections or rejections.
More about Patent Examiner jobs
What cities are hiring for Patent Examiner jobs? Cities with the most Patent Examiner job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Patent Examiner jobs? The most popular types of Patent Examiner jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Patent Examiner jobs? The top employers for Patent Examiner jobs are:
What states have the most Patent Examiner jobs? States with the most job openings for Patent Examiner jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Patent Examiner jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Patent Examiner jobs are:
Patent Examiner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patent Examiner job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,945 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

Patent Associate/Patent Agent/Patent Attorney

GW Attorneys

Washington, DC • On-site

$180K - $260K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

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Job description

Overview:

Purpose Statement: Assist with various tasks related to patent prosecution including all aspects of preparation and prosecution of patent applications, and research and analysis of technologies. Technology areas such as internet technologies, semiconductor design and manufacturing process, computer software and hardware, microprocessor circuits and systems, telecommunications, communications protocols and systems, and electrical circuits.

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or Computer Science. Law degree from an ABA accredited law school and admission to at least one state bar (for attorney). Strong academic credentials. Registered to practice before the USPTO. Two or more years of substantial recent patent prosecution experience.

Experience as a patent examiner a plus.

Position Location:

This position is located in the Washington, DC office and is generally offered with a hybrid option of in-office and remote, as required.

Company Description

I am with a search firm that specializes in Intellectual Property and Patent placement. I work hard for my candidates, finding the right position for them.