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Civil Engineer Licensing in Texas

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for civil engineer in Texas, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Both state and third-party exams required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Civil Engineer in Texas

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Both state and third-party exams required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $95,050 median (5% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #30 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Texas 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: Both state and third-party exams required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Texas

With a median salary of $95,050, Civil Engineers in Texas earn 5% below the national median of $99,590. Texas ranks #30 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.8%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,420

Median annual salary

$95,050

Hourly estimate

$45.70
5% below national median

Difference: -$4,540

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$60,590
  • P2525th percentile$75,100
  • P50Median$95,050
  • P7575th percentile$127,040
  • P9090th percentile$161,620

State vs National Median

State: $95,050
National: $99,590

Total employment: 33,790 | Annual openings: N/A

Civil Engineer Salary Ranking

#30 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
Texas$95,050Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Oklahoma$99,540No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$81,930Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Louisiana$102,350Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
New Mexico$104,600Degree requiredThird-party exam 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
Texas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oklahoma54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arkansas54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Louisiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New Mexico54LowState-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

Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors

1917 S. Interstate 35, Austin, TX, 78741

Phone: 5124407723

Related Careers in Texas

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$85,770Degree requiredVaries by board
Audio and Video Technicians$49,290Specific course requiredVaries by board
Certified Public Accountant$80,000Degree requiredVaries by board
Claims Adjuster$80,220No educational requirementsVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 Texas?

Texas lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Civil Engineers.

What education do you need to become a Civil Engineer in Texas?

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

What is the typical Civil Engineer salary in Texas?

The median annual salary for Civil Engineers in Texas is $95,050. Salaries range from $60,590 (10th percentile) to $161,620 (90th percentile).

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

Civil Engineers in Texas earn 5% below the national median of $99,590, with a state median of $95,050.

How many Civil Engineers work in Texas?

Texas employs approximately 33,790 Civil Engineers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Civil Engineer license to Texas 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 Texas?

The licensing agency is Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. Review agency details at https://pels.texas.gov/.

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

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