Application Fee
See agencyVerified 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 agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Civil Engineer in Illinois
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
License Type: Preliminary/temporary license.
- 4
An individual who is enrolled as a structural engineer intern as a result of qualifying by education and examination.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- 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 (6)
- 1. Meet Illinois eligibility requirements for Civil Engineer licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Illinois
With a median salary of $97,640, Civil Engineers in Illinois earn 2% below the national median of $99,590. Illinois ranks #25 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
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 | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $90,770 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $94,500 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $93,020 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $100,200 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $95,000 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies 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.
| 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. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
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 | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $55,030 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Certified Public Accountant | $79,300 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Claims Adjuster | $74,410 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Civil Engineer in Illinois?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, 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 $66,340 (10th percentile) to $154,790 (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 $99,590, with a state median of $97,640.
How many Civil Engineers work in Illinois?
Illinois employs approximately 13,400 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. Verify directly with the agency.
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/.
How often do you renew a Civil Engineer license in Illinois?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.