Patent Examiner
Performs professional patent examination work including reviewing applications and determining patentability.
💰GS-1224 Salary Information
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
| GS-15 | $125,133 | $129,304 | $133,475 | $137,646 | $141,817 | $145,988 | $150,159 | $154,330 | $158,501 | $162,672 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-1224
Applicants for positions in this series must meet the basic requirements for the scientific, technological, or engineering occupational series related to the area for which they are examining patents. Those requirements are described in the individual occupational requirements for the particular series, e.g., Chemistry, GS-1320; Food Technology, GS-1382; etc.
Evaluation of Graduate Education: Qualifying graduate education must have been in a field appropriate to the position to be filled. An LL.B. or J.D. degree from a recognized law school or membership in the bar of any State, territory, or the District of Columbia is also qualifying for GS-9.
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for GS-1224
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal patent examiner position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your Grade Level
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-1224
Cryptologic Technician Interpretive
CTIs have experience in interpreting complex information and languages, which can be useful for understanding technical patent documents.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Examine patent applications
- •Determine patentability
- •Search prior art
- •Write office actions
- •Conduct interviews with applicants
- •Apply patent law
🎯Key Competencies
Ability to examine patent applications for compliance.
Skill in searching and analyzing prior art references.
Deep knowledge in specific technology areas.
Understanding of patent law and examination guidelines.
Ability to interpret and analyze patent claims.
Skill in writing clear office actions and decisions.
Ability to make sound patentability determinations.
Skill in discussing applications with patent practitioners.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-1224
What is a Patent Examiner?
A GS-1224 Patent Examiner is a professional who reviews patent applications at the USPTO to determine if inventions meet legal requirements for patentability. These specialists search prior art, analyze patent claims, apply patent law, write office actions, conduct applicant interviews, and make binding decisions on whether to grant patents—directly shaping innovation protection in America.
How much does a federal Patent Examiner make?
Federal Patent Examiners earn between $42,679 (GS-7 Step 1) and $162,672 (GS-15 Step 10) on the 2025 GS scale. Entry-level examiners start at GS-7 or GS-9. Journey-level examiners reach GS-12/13 earning $75,706-$117,034. Senior Primary Examiners at GS-14/15 earn $106,382-$162,672. USPTO also offers locality pay and excellent telework, with many examiners working fully remote.
What are the requirements for GS-1224 positions?
Patent Examiners must meet educational requirements for related scientific/engineering series—typically a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, chemistry, biology, or physics. GS-9 also accepts an LL.B./J.D. or bar membership. You need technical expertise in a specific technology area plus the analytical ability to interpret complex patent claims and apply legal standards.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1224?
Unlike most federal positions, Patent Examiner specifically requires technical/scientific education that military experience alone cannot substitute. However, veterans with engineering degrees (common in military officer programs and veterans using GI Bill) plus technical military experience are highly competitive candidates. Your military analytical and technical documentation skills strengthen applications.
What is the career progression for Patent Examiner?
Patent Examiners start at GS-7 or GS-9 and can advance rapidly—USPTO has one of the fastest promotion tracks in government. The progression runs GS-7/9/11/12/13/14/15. Primary Examiners (signatory authority) typically reach GS-14. Supervisory Patent Examiners reach GS-15. Many examiners spend entire careers at USPTO; others transition to patent law, corporate IP, or technology companies.
How do I apply for GS-1224 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Patent Examiner" under series 1224. USPTO actively recruits in engineering, computer science, biotechnology, and chemistry. Most positions allow full-time telework after initial training. Highlight your technical degree, relevant technical experience, and analytical skills. USPTO values veterans and offers competitive hiring through VRA and other veteran authorities.
Ready to Apply for GS-1224?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.