Benefits
In addition to the core benefits all employees are offered, Patent Examiners also receive:
Enhanced Federal Government Salary Rates
The USPTO is dependant upon great talent, especially for Patent Examiners. In order to maintain
competitiveness with the private sector and to continue recruiting and retaining the most qualified people
possible, pay rates have been increased above standard GS levels by OPM. Rates have increased from 30-50%,
depending on GS level. These special rates are reviewed periodically and compared to private sector rates
to assure that we’re maintaining a competitive pace with the private sector.
Recruitment Incentive
Qualified applicants may be eligible to receive a recruitment incentive of up to $9,900 per year for a maximum of four years. A service agreement will be required. Incentive amount and duration is determined by title and grade level.
Recruitment Incentive Determination
| Title
| Grade
| Step
| Salary Offer
| Total Recruitment Incentive Amount (Up to)
| Length of Service Period (Years)
| Payment Type
| Incentive Paid Each Year of Service Period (Up to)
|
| Patent Examiner (Computer Engineering) |
GS-05 |
10 |
$49,964 |
$33,772 |
4 |
1st Year – Lump sum payment 2nd thru 4th years – semi-annual payments |
$8,443 |
| GS-07 |
10 |
$61,893 |
$35,152 |
4 |
$8,788 |
| GS-09 |
8 |
$68,471 |
$39,600 |
4 |
$9,900 |
| Patent Examiner (Electrical Engineering) |
GS-05 |
10 |
$49,964 |
$30,172 |
4 |
$7,543 |
| GS-07 |
10 |
$61,893 |
$30,812 |
4 |
$7,703 |
| GS-09 |
8 |
$68,471 |
$34,600 |
4 |
$8,650 |
| All Other Patent Examiner New Hires |
GS-05 |
1-10 |
$38,435 To $49,964 |
$20,000 |
4 |
$5,000 |
| GS-07 |
1-10 |
$47,610 To $61,893 |
| GS-09 |
1-10 |
$55,518 To $68,471 |
Law School Tuition Reimbursement Program
Because so much of the work we do requires legal knowledge, PTO employees can participate in our Non-Duty Hours Legal Studies Program. If you’re a full-time permanent employee with at least 2 years of continuous service at PTO, you can participate in this program – as long as a legal education is related to your mission at PTO. Once you’re accepted to an accredited law school, the PTO can pay for up to 24 credits per year – not to exceed 88 credits – taken within a total of 6 years. A book allowance is also included.
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