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Verified by WA Board of Engineering

Electrical Engineers Licensing in Washington

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

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Both state and third-party exams required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Electrical Engineers in Washington

Estimated timeline: 8 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    Individuals must pass the engineer-in-training examination, pass the principles and practices of engineering examination for the electrical branch, have 8 years of professional-level experience under the direct supervision of a licensed engineer, send in a completed application and pay the required fee.

Exam and processing details

  • pass the engineer-in-training examination, pass the principles and practices of engineering examination for the electrical branch, have 8 years of professional-level experience under the direct supervision of a licensed engineer, send in a completed application and pay the required fee

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Licensing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $130,730 median (17% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #4 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Washington eligibility requirements for Electrical Engineers licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Both state and third-party exams required pass the engineer-in-training examination, pass the principles and practices of engineering examination for the electrical branch, have 8 years of professional-level experience....
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; Individuals must pass the engineer-in-training examination, pass the principles and practices of engineering examination for the electric...).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Licensing and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Washington

With a median salary of $130,730, Electrical Engineerss in Washington earn 17% above the national median of $111,910. Washington ranks #4 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 8 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,837

Median annual salary

$130,730

Hourly estimate

$62.85
17% above national median

Difference: +$18,820

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$80,980
  • P2525th percentile$99,400
  • P50Median$130,730
  • P7575th percentile$155,410
  • P9090th percentile$180,880

State vs National Median

State: $130,730
National: $111,910

Total employment: 10,010 | Annual openings: N/A

Electrical Engineers Salary Ranking

#4 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
Washington$130,730Specific course requiredBoth state and third-party exams required8 years
Idaho$128,960Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Oregon$109,660Varies 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
Washington50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Idaho54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review 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 Licensing

2000 4th Ave W, Olympia, WA, 98502

Phone: 3606646488

Related Careers in Washington

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians$78,110No educational requirements8 years
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians$84,530Specific course required8 years
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer$136,930No educational requirements8 years
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians$81,530No educational requirements8 years

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 8 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Electrical Engineerss in Washington?

Washington lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Electrical Engineerss.

What education do you need to become a Electrical Engineers in Washington?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Electrical Engineers licensure in Washington.

What is the typical Electrical Engineers salary in Washington?

The median annual salary for Electrical Engineerss in Washington is $130,730. Salaries range from $80,980 (10th percentile) to $180,880 (90th percentile).

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

Electrical Engineerss in Washington earn 17% above the national median of $111,910, with a state median of $130,730.

How many Electrical Engineerss work in Washington?

Washington employs approximately 10,010 Electrical Engineerss according to BLS data.

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

The licensing agency is Department of Licensing. Review agency details at https://dol.wa.gov/about/contact-us/business-and-professional-licensing-contact-information.

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

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