Working for the USPTO

[patent hype]

You will probably get better traing and be the go-to-person at a firm with a few years at the pto under your belt. And while you are there you can laugh and curse at the ineptitude of the practitioners as is commonly done.

Its up to you but the intangible benefits of having contacts and understanding the culture may outweigh the money for a few years.

[LJP]

What are the salaries for examiners at the USPTO.

ie, starting and after the 1 year training.

[Jonathan]

This link should give you some idea:

http://www.usptocareers.gov/salaryrates.asp

Perusing the current openings at

http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/ac/ahrpa/ohr/jobs/jobs.htm

indicates that the starting pay grade can be between grades 5 and 13 (about $35k up to $78k). I assume the 'steps' going across the table (left to right) governs the pay increases.

[Erin]

You can also get overtime for anything over 40 hours a week as well as bonuses.

[steve]

Is there currently active hiring at the USPTO.  I applied (Biotech Units) in mid 2004, but was told that they were done hiring for the year.  I have applied to the posting for the start of 2005, but I haven't heard if they have started hiring for the new year yet.

[Patent_Prospect]

I think it depends on the various technology centers, as I have a start date in Spring 2005.  I applied in Oct. 2004.

[steve]

Regarding the above post from Patent_Prospects:

1) congratualtions on geeting the position

And

2) With which Art Unit are you starting in Spring 2005, and can you provide any insight for the success in the application/interview procedure

[Ayla]

This link should give you some idea:

http://www.usptocareers.gov/salaryrates.asp

Perusing the current openings at

http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/ac/ahrpa/ohr/jobs/jobs.htm

indicates that the starting pay grade can be between grades 5 and 13 (about $35k up to $78k). I assume the 'steps' going across the table (left to right) governs the pay increases.

I know government jobs are pretty inflexible when it comes to salary and benefits (they want to assure that everything is equal), but I figured I'd ask.
Does anyone know if new hires are always started at step one of their grade level or could one negotiate to start at a higher step - or even start at step one with the stipulation that you jump to a higher step after a trial period like some people negotiate for non-government jobs?

[JTripodo]

I had my interview at the PTO this weekend (Very Nice Facility!). They went over the wage scale with me and yes the steps within a pay grade are based upon your years of experience, GPA from school and what you are currently making in comparison.

All I can say about the people that I met is that they are very down to earth and it looks like a great environment to work in.

Now, I just hope that I get an offer  

[Erin]

You can start at step 1 or step 10 it depends. For example, If you had a Ph.D. and were straight out of school then you would start at GS 11/1 but if you were making more than the starting rate you would start at GS 11/10. It really varies. You should tell them what you were making at your previous job and they will put you in that pay grade or higher. Usually a little higher.

[daven]

How much does being a veteran help with getting hired?  I know it's a factor but how much of one?
thanks

[guest]

I have never heard of a veteran getting preference. Why would a veteran get preference over someone else more qualified?

[Steve12]

I was wondering about the style of the interview at the USPTO.  Do you sit with a group of pepole from a particular Art Unit or workgroup?  What style of questions do they ask?

[Steve12]

Is this thread still active? Or are people less interested in working for the USPTO now?

[daven]

Steve12,
Yes, I'm interested!  I haven't decided if I want to live near D.C.  I saw a show recently on "sluggers", people who hitchhike to work in Alexandria due to the terrible traffic.  People pick them up so they'll have enough people in the car to legally drive in the express lanes.  I think I saw it on CNN or MSNBC.

I would love to work at the USPTO but don't want to develop heart problems just getting to work:)  Is it really that bad up there?
thanks