Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MA Board of Business
Civil Engineer Licensing in Massachusetts
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for civil engineer in Massachusetts, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Civil Engineer in Massachusetts
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Preliminary/temporary license.
- 5
To determine eligibility for licensure, applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the Engineering Application Guidelines links to PDF file spreadsheet available on the Applications and Forms page of the Board's website, prior to starting or submitting an application.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and of Land Surveyors • Division of Professional Licensure
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$104,450 median (5% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#6 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Massachusetts eligibility requirements for Civil Engineer licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; To determine eligibility for licensure, applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the Engineering Application Guidelines links to PDF...).
- 6. Submit the application to Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and of Land Surveyors~Division of Professional Licensure and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Massachusetts
With a median salary of $104,450, Civil Engineers in Massachusetts earn 5% above the national median of $99,590. Massachusetts ranks #6 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,805Median annual salary
$104,450Hourly estimate
$50.225% above national median
Difference: +$4,860
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCivil Engineer Salary Ranking
#6 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $104,450 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New Hampshire | $92,020 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Vermont | $85,720 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $102,440 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Connecticut | $101,800 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Rhode Island | $112,250 | Degree required | Third-party 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Hampshire | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Vermont | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Connecticut | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Rhode Island | 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
Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and of Land Surveyors • Division of Professional Licensure
1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA, 02114
Phone: N/A
Related Careers in Massachusetts
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $101,980 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $61,680 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Certified Public Accountant | $96,580 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Claims Adjuster | $84,340 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Civil Engineer in Massachusetts?
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 Massachusetts?
Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
The board typically expects Degree required for Civil Engineer licensure in Massachusetts.
What is the typical Civil Engineer salary in Massachusetts?
The median annual salary for Civil Engineers in Massachusetts is $104,450. Salaries range from $77,880 (10th percentile) to $167,370 (90th percentile).
How does the Civil Engineer salary in Massachusetts compare to the national average?
Civil Engineers in Massachusetts earn 5% above the national median of $99,590, with a state median of $104,450.
How many Civil Engineers work in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts employs approximately 9,460 Civil Engineers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Civil Engineer license to Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
The licensing agency is Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and of Land Surveyors / Division of Professional Licensure. Review agency details at http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/dpl-boards/en/.
How often do you renew a Civil Engineer license in Massachusetts?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.