Application Fee
See board websiteVerified by IL Board of Business
Civil Engineer Licensing in Illinois
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for civil engineer in Illinois, including See board website and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Civil Engineer in Illinois
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Preliminary/temporary license
- Education: No educational requirements
- Examination: No exam required
- Application Fee: See board website
- Experience: No experience required
- Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Current Filing Fee
See board website
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$97,640 median (2% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#25 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Illinois eligibility requirements for Civil Engineer licensure.
- 2. Complete required education: No educational requirements.
- 3. Pass the required examination: No exam required.
- 4. Submit your application to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Salary Insights in Illinois
With a median salary of 97,640, Civil Engineers in Illinois earn 2% below the national median of 99590. Illinois ranks #25 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,451Median annual salary
$97,640Hourly estimate
$46.942% below national median
Difference: -$1,950
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCivil Engineer Salary Ranking
#25 of 50 statesfor Civil Engineer median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | 118,450 |
| #2 | Rhode Island | 112,250 |
| #3 | Alaska | 107,240 |
| #4 | Washington | 105,090 |
| #5 | New Mexico | 104,600 |
Nearby States Comparison
Civil Engineer licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $97,640 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Wisconsin | $90,770 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Iowa | $94,500 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $93,020 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $100,200 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Indiana | $95,000 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wisconsin | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Iowa | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kentucky | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Indiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board.
Official Licensing Agency
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
320 West Washington, Springfield, IL, 62786
Phone: 2177828556
Related Careers in Illinois
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $79,320 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Certified Public Accountant | $79,300 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Financial Advisor | $104,310 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Funeral Director | $60,680 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Civil Engineer in Illinois?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Civil Engineers in Illinois?
Illinois lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Civil Engineers.
What education do you need to become a Civil Engineer in Illinois?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Civil Engineer licensure in Illinois.
What is the typical Civil Engineer salary in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Civil Engineers in Illinois is 97,640. Salaries range from 66340 (10th percentile) to 154790 (90th percentile).
How does the Civil Engineer salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
Civil Engineers in Illinois earn 2% below the national median of 99590, with a state median of 97,640.
How many Civil Engineers work in Illinois?
Illinois employs approximately 13400 Civil Engineers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Civil Engineer license to Illinois from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board.
Who is the licensing agency for Civil Engineers in Illinois?
The licensing agency is Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Review agency details at https://www.idfpr.com/.