Application Fee
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Civil Engineer Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for civil engineer in Pennsylvania, including See board website and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Civil Engineer in Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See board website
- Experience: Work experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: 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 board website
- 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 (4)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for Civil Engineer licensure.
- 2. Complete required education: Degree required.
- 3. Pass the required examination: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit your application to the Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Professional Engineer; Land Surveyors; & Geologists Board.
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of 92,460, Civil Engineers in Pennsylvania earn 7% below the national median of 99590. Pennsylvania ranks #40 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median 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 | 6-24 months |
| New York | $102,440 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| New Jersey | $103,690 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Delaware | $99,820 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Maryland | $100,320 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| West Virginia | $88,200 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Ohio | $93,480 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
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.
Official Licensing Agency
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 | 6-24 months |
| Certified Public Accountant | $77,330 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Financial Advisor | $103,290 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Funeral Director | $55,940 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Civil Engineer in Pennsylvania?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, 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 67240 (10th percentile) to 137520 (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 99590, with a state median of 92,460.
How many Civil Engineers work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 14610 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.
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.