Also called: Patent Scientist, Technical Specialist (Patents)
Writes the patents that protect inventions, translating science into precise legal language.
An inventor describes a new laser design. You dig into how it works, search for similar older inventions, and write claims that define exactly what's new. Many patent agents later go to law school and become patent attorneys.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 5 years after high school. Science or engineering degree (often a PhD) plus the USPTO patent bar exam; no law degree needed.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school, Certification. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering.
Growing about average. BLS does not project this specialty separately; rating estimated from related occupations.
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. AI drafts patent text and searches prior art fast; fewer agents needed, with strategy staying human.
Classes: AP Physics, AP Chemistry, English composition.
Official data: O*NET occupation 23-2099.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.