What patent agents earn, and what the data can and cannot tell youReviewed 9 November 2026
Patent Agent SalaryWysebridge Reference Check if you qualify

Glossary

Patent agent
A non-lawyer registered by the USPTO to prepare and prosecute patent applications.
Patent examiner
A USPTO employee who reviews patent applications and decides whether to allow them.
Category A
USPTO eligibility route for applicants holding a listed science or engineering degree.
Category B
USPTO eligibility route for other degrees backed by qualifying science and engineering coursework.
Category C
USPTO eligibility route through passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.
OED
The USPTO's Office of Enrollment and Discipline, which approves applications and registers practitioners.