Law
Patent Agent
Prepare and file patents at the USPTO — without going to law school. Requires a science/engineering degree + USPTO exam.
high-payoffice-workremote-friendly
69
ROI · Strong
Investment vs return
Cost · time · demand normalized 0–100
Salary progression
What you'll earn over your career
$85k
$125k
$175k
Entry
Mid-career
Senior
10-yr outlook
+6%
+6% (Faster than avg)
Open positions
1,400
Estimated nationwide
Entry paths
How to get here
Multiple paths lead to this career. Compare time, cost, online vs in-person delivery, and program links.
Fastest ROI
Certification Hybrid
USPTO Patent Bar (after STEM degree)
Time
4 years + exam prep (6mo)
Cost
$1,500 – $6,000
Top programs
Engineers + scientists only. Path to patent attorney with JD.
Affiliate disclosure: Some of the program links above may be affiliate partnerships. If you enroll, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only link to programs we have actually reviewed against our methodology. See our methodology for how we evaluate schools.
Quick math
If you took the fastest path…
You'd train for
4 years + exam prep (6mo)
You'd spend (avg)
$3,750
Starting salary
$85,000
Mid-career
$125,000
Read more
Articles & resources
Sources: BLS OOH 2024 · USPTO