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Civil Engineer Licensing in Louisiana

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for civil engineer in Louisiana, 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

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Civil Engineer in Louisiana

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: Physical exam required.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    Four years of progressive engineering experience obtained subsequent to receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited program.

  7. 7

    Eight-hour National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Principles and Practice examination in the discipline of engineering in which licensure is sought.

  8. 8

    Initial License Fee/s Renewal License Fee/s Authorizing Statute.

Exam and processing details

  • National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Principles and Practice examination in the discipline of engineering in which licensure is sought

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development • Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $102,350 median (3% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #11 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Louisiana 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 Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Principles and Practice examination in the discipline of engineering in which licensure is sought.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Felony convictions prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development~Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Louisiana

With a median salary of $102,350, Civil Engineers in Louisiana earn 3% above the national median of $99,590. Louisiana ranks #11 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.2%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,176

Median annual salary

$102,350

Hourly estimate

$49.21
3% above national median

Difference: +$2,760

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$67,680
  • P2525th percentile$78,060
  • P50Median$102,350
  • P7575th percentile$127,840
  • P9090th percentile$149,590

State vs National Median

State: $102,350
National: $99,590

Total employment: 3,170 | Annual openings: N/A

Civil Engineer Salary Ranking

#11 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
Louisiana$102,350Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$81,930Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Mississippi$103,940Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Texas$95,050Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams 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
Louisiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arkansas54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Mississippi54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Texas50LowState-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

Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development • Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board

9643 Brookline Avenue, Suite 121, Baton Rouge, LA, 70809

Phone: 2259528100

Related Careers in Louisiana

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$77,270Degree requiredVaries by board
Audio and Video Technicians$40,240No educational requirementsVaries by board
Certified Public Accountant$69,540Degree requiredVaries by board
Claims Adjuster$69,370Varies by state board18 years

FAQ

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

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 Louisiana?

Louisiana 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 Louisiana?

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

What is the typical Civil Engineer salary in Louisiana?

The median annual salary for Civil Engineers in Louisiana is $102,350. Salaries range from $67,680 (10th percentile) to $149,590 (90th percentile).

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

Civil Engineers in Louisiana earn 3% above the national median of $99,590, with a state median of $102,350.

How many Civil Engineers work in Louisiana?

Louisiana employs approximately 3,170 Civil Engineers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Civil Engineer license to Louisiana 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 Louisiana?

The licensing agency is Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development / Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board. Review agency details at https://www.lapels.com/.

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

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