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Civil Engineer Licensing in Alabama

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for civil engineer in Alabama, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Civil Engineer in Alabama

Estimated timeline: 1 month

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Any conviction is prohibited.

  4. 4

    Certification: Certification required.

  5. 5

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  6. 6

    This applicant must be an engineering graduate of an institute approved by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology and have four (4) years apprenticeship under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer

    • Be a graduate of an unapproved engineering curriculum and have six (6) years of experience, under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer
    • The applicant must pass a 16-hour written examination
    • 8 hours fundamental and 8 hours principles and practice.
  7. 7

    To become a licensed engineer intern, applicants must be either an engineering graduate of an institution which is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology or, a graduate of an unapproved engineering curriculum having two (2) years satisfactory engineering experience under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer

    • and the applicant must pass an 8-hour written examination in the fundamental engineering subjects administered by the Alabama State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

Exam and processing details

  • written examination
  • 8 hours fundamental and 8 hours principles and practice

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Alabama State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $98,100 median (1% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #22 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Alabama eligibility requirements for Civil Engineer licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required written examination; 8 hours fundamental and 8 hours principles and practice.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Any conviction is prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Any conviction is prohibited.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Alabama State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Alabama

With a median salary of $98,100, Civil Engineers in Alabama earn 1% below the national median of $99,590. Alabama ranks #22 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1 month.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.9%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,201

Median annual salary

$98,100

Hourly estimate

$47.16
1% below national median

Difference: -$1,490

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$64,640
  • P2525th percentile$75,950
  • P50Median$98,100
  • P7575th percentile$125,890
  • P9090th percentile$162,160

State vs National Median

State: $98,100
National: $99,590

Total employment: 5,920 | Annual openings: N/A

Civil Engineer Salary Ranking

#22 of 50 statesfor Civil Engineer median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$118,450
#2Rhode Island$112,250
#3Alaska$107,240
#4Washington$105,090
#5New Mexico$104,600

Nearby States Comparison

Civil Engineer licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Alabama$98,100Degree requiredState exam required1 month
Tennessee$97,730Degree requiredThird-party exam required4-3196 years
Georgia$81,030Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Florida$97,810No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Mississippi$103,940Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Alabama50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Georgia25LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Florida60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Mississippi54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Alabama State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors

P.O. Box 304451, Montgomery, AL, 36130

Phone: 3342425568

Related Careers in Alabama

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$94,170Degree requiredVaries by board
Audio and Video Technicians$43,240Degree required19 years
Certified Public Accountant$71,070Degree requiredVaries by board
Claims Adjuster$80,060Degree required1-18 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Civil Engineer in Alabama?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1 month, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Civil Engineers in Alabama?

Alabama lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Civil Engineers.

What education do you need to become a Civil Engineer in Alabama?

The board typically expects Degree required for Civil Engineer licensure in Alabama.

What is the typical Civil Engineer salary in Alabama?

The median annual salary for Civil Engineers in Alabama is $98,100. Salaries range from $64,640 (10th percentile) to $162,160 (90th percentile).

How does the Civil Engineer salary in Alabama compare to the national average?

Civil Engineers in Alabama earn 1% below the national median of $99,590, with a state median of $98,100.

How many Civil Engineers work in Alabama?

Alabama employs approximately 5,920 Civil Engineers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Civil Engineer license to Alabama from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Civil Engineers in Alabama?

The licensing agency is Alabama State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors. Review agency details at https://www.bels.alabama.gov/.

How often do you renew a Civil Engineer license in Alabama?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.