Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CA Board of Engineering
Mechanical Engineers Licensing in California
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mechanical engineers in California, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
Renewal al (currently every 2 yearsLicensing Blueprint for Mechanical Engineers in California
Estimated timeline: 1-17 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 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
Examination Requirements: National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors (NCEES) Mechanical 8 hour examination and Take-Home California State Laws and Board Rules exam.
- 4
Renewal (currently every 2 years):.
- 5
Examination Frequency: Continuous.
- 6
Exam Locations: Statewide at designated locations.
- 7
Experience Requirement: Professional licensure for engineering is based on a demonstration of education and experience.
Exam and processing details
- Frequency
- Continuous. For 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
- Licensing Authority
Department of Consumer Affairs • Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
Renewal al (currently every 2 years
- Salary Position
$126,370 median (24% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#3 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Mechanical Engineers licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Experience Requirement: Professional licensure for engineering is based on a demonstration of education and experience.).
- 3. Document required supervised experience (Examination Requirements: National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors (NCEES) Mechanical 8 hour examination and Take-Home C...).
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Frequency: Continuous. For filing dates, see our website: www.bpelsg.ca.gov. Locations: Statewide at designated locations. See website: www.bpelsg.ca.gov. Experience.
- 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. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al (currently every 2 years).
Salary Insights in California
With a median salary of $126,370, Mechanical Engineerss in California earn 24% above the national median of $102,320. California ranks #3 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-17 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,758Median annual salary
$126,370Hourly estimate
$60.7524% above national median
Difference: +$24,050
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMechanical Engineers Salary Ranking
#3 of 50 statesfor Mechanical Engineers median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New Mexico | $141,490 |
| #2 | Alaska | $129,990 |
| #3 | California | $126,370 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | $122,670 |
| #5 | Wyoming | $116,910 |
Nearby States Comparison
Mechanical Engineers licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $126,370 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-17 years |
| Oregon | $101,290 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Nevada | $98,110 | Degree required | State exam required | 2-21 years |
| Arizona | $102,510 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Nevada | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arizona | 78 | High | Board-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
Related Careers in California
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $81,240 | Varies by state board | 1-17 years |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $84,530 | Varies by state board | 1-17 years |
| Electrical Engineers | $140,360 | Varies by state board | 1-17 years |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | $154,670 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Mechanical 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 Mechanical Engineers salary in California?
The median annual salary for Mechanical Engineerss in California is $126,370. Salaries range from $77,360 (10th percentile) to $188,660 (90th percentile).
How does the Mechanical Engineers salary in California compare to the national average?
Mechanical Engineerss in California earn 24% above the national median of $102,320, with a state median of $126,370.
How many Mechanical Engineerss work in California?
California employs approximately 27,090 Mechanical Engineerss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Mechanical 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 Mechanical 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 Mechanical Engineers license in California?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al (currently every 2 years.