Become a patent examiner

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Visit our monthly webinar series - "What's it like as a patent examiner?"

Patent examiners are skilled engineers, scientists, and STEM professionals who work closely with entrepreneurs to process their patent applications and determine whether a patent can be granted. This work facilitates the United States Patent and Trademark Office's mission to protect intellectual property and help businesses quickly move their innovations to market, creating new jobs and expanding commerce. Learn more about our mission.

BECOME A PATENT EXAMINER

Bring innovation to life

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PATENT EXAMINER BROCHURE

It takes skill to recognize ingenuity

We're hiring work-from-home patent examiners in STEM fields

STEM DEGREES

Which vacancy should you apply to?

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We're bringing innovation to life

For over 200 years, our work has fostered American innovations that change the world. Check out these inspiring stories of inventors and entrepreneurs.

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Find your career, find your way

A well-defined career path gives you specific milestones for advancement.

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An atmosphere of engagement

What our employees say about working at the USPTO.

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Ready to join us? Apply now

Our open positions are posted on USAJOBS. Browse our openings and learn more about applying.

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BECOME A DESIGN PATENT EXAMINER

Designing America's Success

VETERAN SUCCESS AT USPTO: TWYLER H.

Securing innovation at the USPTO

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What does a patent examiner do?

A patent examiner is a federal employee who examines patent applications to determine whether or not a patent can be granted for various new inventions, many of which are on the cutting edge of tomorrow’s technological breakthroughs.

Patent examiners review two main types of applications: design patents and utility patents. Design patents protect the ornamental appearance of an article (e.g., a watch face), while utility patents protect an invention (e.g., the watch itself). A third, less-common type of application is for plant patents, which protect newly invented or discovered asexually reproduced non-tuber plant varieties.

As a patent examiner, you will:

Search all known technological knowledge ("prior art") to ensure that an invention is new and unique
Review patent applications to ensure conformity to formal requirements
Write office actions communicating your findings on patentability to inventors and patent practitioners

What does it take to become a patent examiner?

You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in one of a variety of STEM disciplines or the successful completion of equivalent coursework from an accredited college or university.

What kind of degree do I need to apply, and which vacancy do I need to apply to?

The minimum degree required to be a utility patent examiner is a bachelor’s degree. There are dozens of STEM-related bachelor’s degree types that qualify, even if they are not the exact discipline listed in the title of the job vacancy.

For example, professionals with bachelor’s degrees ranging from engineering, mathematics, astronomy, space science, geophysics, oceanography, or hydrology could all apply to the "Patent Examiner (Physics)" vacancy when it is open. To see more details about which degrees best fit with which patent examiner vacancies, view this chart.

You can also attend one of our upcoming webinars or office hours to chat with a current patent examiner, or email us at JoinUSPTO@uspto.gov with your specific question.

What is the starting salary for a patent examiner?

Your earning potential is one of the most important aspects of pursuing federal employment. Most agencies use the General Schedule (GS), which is the predominant pay scale for federal employees. The grade level assigned to a position determines the pay level for that job. Most patent examiners start with the USPTO as a GS-7 or GS-9 and earn a special pay rate. The accompanying annual salary for that GS range is $66,726 to $101,431 beginning June 16, 2024. Applicants with demonstrated experience in patent examining functions may be eligible to start as a GS-11 with an accompanying annual salary in the range of $91,297 to $118,683. For more information, visit the 2024 Patent Special Rates Table on OPM.gov.

When are you hiring?

We are always looking for qualified applicants. Check USAJOBS.gov for the most recent patent examiner job announcements.

Become a patent examiner

TitleWe're bringing innovation to life

TitleFind your career, find your way

TitleAn atmosphere of engagement

TitleReady to join us? Apply now

I'm interested! Tell me more...

Title
We're bringing innovation to life

Title
Find your career, find your way

Title
An atmosphere of engagement

Title
Ready to join us? Apply now