Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NC Board of Business
Civil Engineer Licensing in North Carolina
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for civil engineer in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite).
- 2
A person who, by reason of special knowledge and use of the mathematical, physical and engineering sciences and the principles and methods of engineering analysis and design, acquired by engineering education and engineering experience, is qualified to pr.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NC Department of Revenue • Taxpayer Assistance
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$93,590 median (6% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#36 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (5)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite).).
- 2. Complete required education or training (A person who, by reason of special knowledge and use of the mathematical, physical and engineering sciences and the principles and method...).
- 3. Document required supervised experience (A person who, by reason of special knowledge and use of the mathematical, physical and engineering sciences and the principles and method...).
- 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to NC Department of Revenue~Taxpayer Assistance and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in North Carolina
With a median salary of $93,590, Civil Engineers in North Carolina earn 6% below the national median of $99,590. North Carolina ranks #36 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,298Median annual salary
$93,590Hourly estimate
$45.006% below national median
Difference: -$6,000
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCivil Engineer Salary Ranking
#36 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $93,590 | Varies by state board | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $96,210 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $97,730 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 4-3196 years |
| Georgia | $81,030 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| South Carolina | $99,680 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| South Carolina | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
NC Department of Revenue • Taxpayer Assistance
3301 Terminal Drive, Suite 125, Raleigh, NC, 27604
Phone: 9197077500
Related Careers in North Carolina
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $87,990 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $43,870 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Certified Public Accountant | $80,490 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Claims Adjuster | $74,830 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Civil Engineer in North Carolina?
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 North Carolina?
North Carolina lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Civil Engineers.
What is the typical Civil Engineer salary in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Civil Engineers in North Carolina is $93,590. Salaries range from $65,160 (10th percentile) to $145,010 (90th percentile).
How does the Civil Engineer salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
Civil Engineers in North Carolina earn 6% below the national median of $99,590, with a state median of $93,590.
How many Civil Engineers work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 12,670 Civil Engineers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Civil Engineer license to North Carolina from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Civil Engineers in North Carolina?
The licensing agency is NC Department of Revenue / Taxpayer Assistance. Review agency details at https://www.ncdor.gov/taxes-forms/privilege-license-tax.
How often do you renew a Civil Engineer license in North Carolina?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.