Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Business
Civil Engineer Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for civil engineer in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania
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: Stand-alone license.
- 5
The practice of engineering is the application of the mathematical and physical sciences for the design of public or private buildings, structures, machines, equipment, processes, works or engineering systems, and the consultation, investigation, evaluation, engineering surveys, construction management, planning and inspections in connection therewith, the performance of the foregoing acts and services being prohibited to persons who are not licensed under this act as professional engineers unless exempted by the act.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Professional Engineer; Land Surveyors; & Geologists Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$92,460 median (7% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#40 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania 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.; The practice of engineering is the application of the mathematical and physical sciences for the design of public or private buildings, s...).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Professional Engineer; Land Surveyors; & Geologists Board and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of $92,460, Civil Engineers in Pennsylvania earn 7% below the national median of $99,590. Pennsylvania ranks #40 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,364Median annual salary
$92,460Hourly estimate
$44.457% below national median
Difference: -$7,130
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCivil Engineer Salary Ranking
#40 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $92,460 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $102,440 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $103,690 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $99,820 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $100,320 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $88,200 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $93,480 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 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. |
| New Jersey | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-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
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Professional Engineer; Land Surveyors; & Geologists Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 7177837049
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $95,640 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $57,450 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Certified Public Accountant | $77,330 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Claims Adjuster | $77,750 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Civil Engineer in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects Degree required for Civil Engineer licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical Civil Engineer salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Civil Engineers in Pennsylvania is $92,460. Salaries range from $67,240 (10th percentile) to $137,520 (90th percentile).
How does the Civil Engineer salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Civil Engineers in Pennsylvania earn 7% below the national median of $99,590, with a state median of $92,460.
How many Civil Engineers work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 14,610 Civil Engineers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Civil Engineer license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Professional Engineer; Land Surveyors; & Geologists Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/EngineersLandSurveyorsandGeologists/Pages/default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Civil Engineer license in Pennsylvania?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.