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Civil Engineer Licensing in Iowa

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Both state and third-party exams required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Civil Engineer in Iowa

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Certification: Certification required.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Both state and third-party exams required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $94,500 median (5% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #35 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet Iowa 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: Both state and third-party exams required.
  5. 5. Submit the application to Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing~Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau and monitor board communications.
  6. 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Iowa

With a median salary of $94,500, Civil Engineers in Iowa earn 5% below the national median of $99,590. Iowa ranks #35 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,154

Median annual salary

$94,500

Hourly estimate

$45.43
5% below national median

Difference: -$5,090

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$63,860
  • P2525th percentile$76,170
  • P50Median$94,500
  • P7575th percentile$112,030
  • P9090th percentile$134,230

State vs National Median

State: $94,500
National: $99,590

Total employment: 2,560 | Annual openings: N/A

Civil Engineer Salary Ranking

#35 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
Iowa$94,500Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$101,440Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wisconsin$90,770No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$97,640No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$93,020Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nebraska$99,360Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
South Dakota$95,110Varies 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
Iowa56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Illinois60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Missouri78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nebraska78HighBoard-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

Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau

6200 Park Avenue Des Moines, IA 50321, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA, 50309

Phone: 5157259022

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Iowa

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$86,990Specific course requiredVaries by board
Audio and Video Technicians$50,720Specific course requiredVaries by board
Certified Public Accountant$74,290Degree requiredVaries by board
Claims Adjuster$68,740Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 Iowa?

Iowa lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Civil Engineers.

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

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

What is the typical Civil Engineer salary in Iowa?

The median annual salary for Civil Engineers in Iowa is $94,500. Salaries range from $63,860 (10th percentile) to $134,230 (90th percentile).

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

Civil Engineers in Iowa earn 5% below the national median of $99,590, with a state median of $94,500.

How many Civil Engineers work in Iowa?

Iowa employs approximately 2,560 Civil Engineers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Civil Engineer license to Iowa 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 Iowa?

The licensing agency is Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing / Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau. Review agency details at http://www.plb.iowa.gov/.

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

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