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Civil Engineer Licensing in Hawaii

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

Renewal al every 2 years

Licensing Blueprint for Civil Engineer in Hawaii

Estimated timeline: 2-12 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Master's degree in engineering from an approved institution of higher education and a bachelor's degree from an approved school or college of engineering & 3 years lawful experience

    • OR 2) Master's degree in engineering from an approved school or college of higher education & 4 years lawful experience
    • OR 3) Bachelor's degree from an approved school or college of engineering & 4 years lawful experience
    • OR 4) Graduate of a 4-year engineering technology or arts and science curriculum with a math, science, or science-related major & 8 years lawful experience
    • OR 5) 12 years lawful experience.
  2. 2

    Education: Degree required.

  3. 3

    Experience: Work experience required.

  4. 4

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    A Professional Engineer engages in the practical application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development and utilization of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services.

  7. 7

    Experience and education requirements: 1) Master's degree in engineering from an approved institution of higher education and a bachelor's degree from an approved school or college of engineering & 3 years lawful experience

    • OR 2) Master's degree in engineering from an approved school or college of higher education & 4 years lawful experience
    • OR 3) Bachelor's degree from an approved school or college of engineering & 4 years lawful experience
    • OR 4) Graduate of a 4-year engineering technology or arts and science curriculum with a math, science, or science-related major & 8 years lawful experience
    • OR 5) 12 years lawful experience.
  8. 8

    National Council of Engineering Examiners (NCEES) exams: Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam in one of the following disciplines (agricultural, chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, or structural).

  9. 9

    Application fee of $150 for endorsement, $100 for PE exam, $50 for FE exam, exam fees, $128 for 2-year license, and $100 for biennial compliance resolution fund.

  10. 10

    License renewal every 2 years is $104.

Exam and processing details

  • National Council of Engineering Examiners (NCEES) exams: Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam in one of the following disciplines (agricultural, chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, or structural)

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license
Fee TypeAmount
License renewal every 2 years$104

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Board of Engrs., Arch., Surveyors, Landscape Arch.

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    Renewal al every 2 years

  4. Salary Position

    $94,970 median (5% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #33 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (8)

  1. 1. Meet Hawaii 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: Third-party exam required National Council of Engineering Examiners (NCEES) exams: Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam in one of the following disci....
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; A Professional Engineer engages in the practical application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development and utili...).
  6. 6. Budget filing costs (License renewal every 2 years: $104).
  7. 7. Submit the application to Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs~Professional and Vocational Licensing Division~Board of Engrs., Arch., Surveyors, Landscape Arch. and monitor board communications.
  8. 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al every 2 years; continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Hawaii

With a median salary of $94,970, Civil Engineers in Hawaii earn 5% below the national median of $99,590. Hawaii ranks #33 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 2-12 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

-0.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,316

Median annual salary

$94,970

Hourly estimate

$45.66
5% below national median

Difference: -$4,620

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$65,520
  • P2525th percentile$77,600
  • P50Median$94,970
  • P7575th percentile$111,760
  • P9090th percentile$131,090

State vs National Median

State: $94,970
National: $99,590

Total employment: 1,880 | Annual openings: N/A

Civil Engineer Salary Ranking

#33 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
Hawaii$94,970Degree requiredThird-party exam required2-12 years
California$118,450Varies by state boardState-approved exam1-17 years
Oregon$103,070Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Washington$105,090No educational requirementsBoth state and third-party exams required8 years
Alaska$107,240Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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
Hawaii50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Washington54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Alaska78HighBoard-specific review 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

Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Board of Engrs., Arch., Surveyors, Landscape Arch.

P. O. Box 3469, [335 Merchant St., Rm. 301, Honolulu, HI 96813], Honolulu, HI, 96801

Phone: 8085863000

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Hawaii

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$100,370Degree requiredVaries by board
Audio and Video Technicians$60,180Degree required2 years
Certified Public Accountant$67,820Degree requiredVaries by board
Claims Adjuster$79,370No educational requirementsVaries by board

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 2-12 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Civil Engineers in Hawaii?

Hawaii lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Civil Engineers.

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

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

What is the typical Civil Engineer salary in Hawaii?

The median annual salary for Civil Engineers in Hawaii is $94,970. Salaries range from $65,520 (10th percentile) to $131,090 (90th percentile).

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

Civil Engineers in Hawaii earn 5% below the national median of $99,590, with a state median of $94,970.

How many Civil Engineers work in Hawaii?

Hawaii employs approximately 1,880 Civil Engineers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Civil Engineer license to Hawaii 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 Hawaii?

The licensing agency is Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs / Professional and Vocational Licensing Division / Board of Engrs., Arch., Surveyors, Landscape Arch.. Review agency details at http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/engineer/.

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

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al every 2 years.