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Verified by CA Board of Engineering

Electrical Engineers Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for electrical engineers in California, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

Renewal al (currently every 2 years): Examination Frequency: Semi-Annual

Licensing Blueprint for Electrical Engineers in California

Estimated timeline: 1-17 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  2. 2

    Fees: Application: For current fee schedule, please refer to the Board's website at https://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/applicants/application_fees.shtml.

  3. 3

    Examination Requirements: National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors (NCEES) Electrical 8 hour examination and Take-Home California State Laws and Board Rules exam.

  4. 4

    Renewal (currently every 2 years):.

  5. 5

    Examination Frequency: Semi-Annual (April and October) examination cycle.

  6. 6

    Exam Locations: Statewide at designated locations.

  7. 7

    Experience Requirement: Professional licensure for engineering is based on a demonstration of education and experience.

Exam and processing details

Frequency
Semi-Annual (April and October) examination cycle. For final filing dates, see our website: www.bpelsg.ca.gov. Locations: Statewide at designated locations. See website: www.bpelsg.ca.gov. Experience

Continuing education and program notes

  • certificate, six years of professional level qualifying experience in the branch of engineering in which the applicant is seeking licensure less applicable credit for verified educat

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Consumer Affairs • Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    Renewal al (currently every 2 years): Examination Frequency: Semi-Annual

  4. Salary Position

    $140,360 median (25% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #2 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Electrical Engineers licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Experience Requirement: Professional licensure for engineering is based on a demonstration of education and experience.).
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience (Examination Requirements: National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors (NCEES) Electrical 8 hour examination and Take-Home C...).
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Frequency: Semi-Annual (April and October) examination cycle. For final filing dates, see our website: www.bpelsg.ca.gov. Locations: Statewide at designated locations. See websi....
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (Fees: Application: For current fee schedule, please refer to the Board's website at https://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/applicants/application_fees...).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al (currently every 2 years): Examination Frequency: Semi-Annual).

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of $140,360, Electrical Engineerss in California earn 25% above the national median of $111,910. California ranks #2 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-17 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$140,360

Hourly estimate

$67.48
25% above national median

Difference: +$28,450

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$81,110
  • P2525th percentile$105,150
  • P50Median$140,360
  • P7575th percentile$178,050
  • P9090th percentile$219,710

State vs National Median

State: $140,360
National: $111,910

Total employment: 23,650 | Annual openings: N/A

Electrical Engineers Salary Ranking

#2 of 50 statesfor Electrical Engineers median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New Mexico$143,850
#2California$140,360
#3New Hampshire$131,790
#4Washington$130,730
#5Idaho$128,960

Nearby States Comparison

Electrical Engineers licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$140,360Varies by state boardState-approved exam1-17 years
Oregon$109,660Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$104,840Degree requiredState exam required2-21 years
Arizona$110,510Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona78HighBoard-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

Department of Consumer Affairs • Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists

2535 Capital Oaks Drive, Suite 300, Sacramento, CA, 95833-2944

Phone: 916993635

Visit Official WebsiteOpen in Maps

Related Careers in California

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians$81,240Varies by state board1-17 years
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians$84,530Varies by state board1-17 years
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer$154,670Varies by state boardVaries by board
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians$77,350Varies by state board1-17 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Electrical Engineers in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-17 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Electrical Engineers salary in California?

The median annual salary for Electrical Engineerss in California is $140,360. Salaries range from $81,110 (10th percentile) to $219,710 (90th percentile).

How does the Electrical Engineers salary in California compare to the national average?

Electrical Engineerss in California earn 25% above the national median of $111,910, with a state median of $140,360.

How many Electrical Engineerss work in California?

California employs approximately 23,650 Electrical Engineerss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Electrical Engineers license to California 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 Electrical Engineerss in California?

The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. Review agency details at https://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/.

How often do you renew a Electrical Engineers license in California?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al (currently every 2 years): Examination Frequency: Semi-Annual.