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Verified by WA Board of Engineering

Mechanical Engineers Licensing in Washington

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mechanical 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 Mechanical Engineers in Washington

Estimated timeline: 8 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: No educational requirements.

  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 mechanical 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 mechanical 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

  • No continuing education requirement 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

    $109,370 median (7% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #9 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Washington eligibility requirements for Mechanical Engineers licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
  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 mechanical 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 mechanic...).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Licensing and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Washington

With a median salary of $109,370, Mechanical Engineerss in Washington earn 7% above the national median of $102,320. Washington ranks #9 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

$109,370

Hourly estimate

$52.58
7% above national median

Difference: +$7,050

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$79,820
  • P2525th percentile$94,790
  • P50Median$109,370
  • P7575th percentile$138,560
  • P9090th percentile$163,790

State vs National Median

State: $109,370
National: $102,320

Total employment: 9,350 | Annual openings: N/A

Mechanical Engineers Salary Ranking

#9 of 50 statesfor Mechanical Engineers median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New Mexico$141,490
#2Alaska$129,990
#3California$126,370
#4Massachusetts$122,670
#5Wyoming$116,910

Nearby States Comparison

Mechanical Engineers licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Washington$109,370No educational requirementsBoth state and third-party exams required8 years
Idaho$103,660Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Oregon$101,290Varies 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
Washington54LowState-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: No continuing education requirement 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
Electrical Engineers$130,730Specific course required8 years
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer$136,930No educational requirements8 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Mechanical 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 Mechanical Engineerss in Washington?

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

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

The board typically expects No educational requirements for Mechanical Engineers licensure in Washington.

What is the typical Mechanical Engineers salary in Washington?

The median annual salary for Mechanical Engineerss in Washington is $109,370. Salaries range from $79,820 (10th percentile) to $163,790 (90th percentile).

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

Mechanical Engineerss in Washington earn 7% above the national median of $102,320, with a state median of $109,370.

How many Mechanical Engineerss work in Washington?

Washington employs approximately 9,350 Mechanical Engineerss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Mechanical Engineers license to Washington from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Mechanical 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 Mechanical Engineers license in Washington?

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