Application Fee
See agencyVerified by WI Board of Business
Civil Engineer Licensing in Wisconsin
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for civil engineer in Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 4
A license to guide is required to guide, direct, or assist other persons in hunting, trapping or fishing in Wisconsin.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
WI Dept of Natural Resources • Integrated Science Services
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$90,770 median (9% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#43 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (5)
- 1. Meet Wisconsin eligibility requirements for Civil Engineer licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to WI Dept of Natural Resources~Integrated Science Services and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Wisconsin
With a median salary of $90,770, Civil Engineers in Wisconsin earn 9% below the national median of $99,590. Wisconsin ranks #43 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,213Median annual salary
$90,770Hourly estimate
$43.649% below national median
Difference: -$8,820
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCivil Engineer Salary Ranking
#43 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $90,770 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $101,440 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $94,500 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $97,640 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Michigan | $85,550 | No educational requirements | No 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Iowa | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Michigan | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
WI Dept of Natural Resources • Integrated Science Services
101 S. Webster St. SS/6, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI, 53707-7921
Phone: 6082672300
Related Careers in Wisconsin
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $93,310 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $48,280 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Certified Public Accountant | $78,150 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Claims Adjuster | $76,660 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Civil Engineer in Wisconsin?
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 Wisconsin?
Wisconsin lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Civil Engineers.
What education do you need to become a Civil Engineer in Wisconsin?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Civil Engineer licensure in Wisconsin.
What is the typical Civil Engineer salary in Wisconsin?
The median annual salary for Civil Engineers in Wisconsin is $90,770. Salaries range from $63,920 (10th percentile) to $132,280 (90th percentile).
How does the Civil Engineer salary in Wisconsin compare to the national average?
Civil Engineers in Wisconsin earn 9% below the national median of $99,590, with a state median of $90,770.
How many Civil Engineers work in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin employs approximately 7,050 Civil Engineers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Civil Engineer license to Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
The licensing agency is WI Dept of Natural Resources / Integrated Science Services. Review agency details at http://dnr.wi.gov/regulations/opcert/septage.html.
How often do you renew a Civil Engineer license in Wisconsin?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.