How Much Does a Civil Engineer with a PE License Make in 2025?
The PE license isn't just a piece of paper—it's your ticket to significantly higher earnings. Licensed civil engineers earn about $140,000 per year—nearly $42,000 more than unlicensed engineers. Discover exactly what PE-licensed civil engineers are making across the country in 2025.
The PE license isn't just a piece of paper—it's your ticket to significantly higher earnings. Here's exactly what civil engineers with Professional Engineer licenses are making across the country.
If you're a civil engineer considering whether to pursue your PE license, the salary data might just convince you. The latest industry research reveals a substantial pay gap between licensed and unlicensed engineers—and the numbers are more compelling than ever.
The Bottom Line: PE License = Higher Pay
Licensed civil engineers with their Professional Engineer (PE) license earn significantly more than their unlicensed counterparts. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 2024 Salary Report, civil engineers with PE licenses earn about $140,000 per year—nearly $42,000 more than those without licenses or certifications.
Let's break down what this means in real numbers:
Here is a table summarizing the median salaries of civil engineers with and without a PE license, based on ASCE data for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024:
| Year | Civil Engineers with PE License | Civil Engineers without PE License | Difference (PE vs. No PE) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ~$140,000 | ~$98,000* | ~$42,000 |
| 2023 | $132,000 | ~$102,000* | ~$30,000* |
| 2022 | $130,000 | ~$107,000* | ~$23,000* |
Notes:
- The salaries for engineers without a PE license in 2023 and 2022 are estimated based on the reported salary difference between those with and without a PE license for those years. The ASCE reports state the difference, but not the exact median salary for those without a license.
- The 2024 data indicates a median salary for those without a PE license to be approximately $98,000, supporting the $42,000 difference.
- The data shows a consistent and significant increase in salary for civil engineers with a PE license compared to their non-licensed counterparts across all three years.
National Salary Ranges for PE-Licensed Civil Engineers
The data above is based on one source of data and location. The numbers change when we use another source. The salary data shows considerable variation depending on your source and specific role:
- ZipRecruiter 2024: $82,674 average annually for Civil Engineer PE
- Comparably 2024: $91,210 average for Civil Engineer PE
Salary Ranges
ZipRecruiter 2024: Most Civil Engineer PE salaries currently range between $67,500 (25th percentile) to $98,500 (75th percentile), with top earners (90th percentile) making $114,000 annually.
The Geographic Factor: Where You Work Matters
Your location significantly impacts your PE-licensed civil engineer salary. Here are the highest-paying states:
Top-Paying States for Civil Engineers
According to US News, the highest-paying states for civil engineers are:
- California: $115,100 mean salary
- New York: $113,610 mean salary
- Alaska: $110,940 mean salary
- Louisiana: $109,770 mean salary
- Massachusetts: $108,320 mean salary
State-by-State PE Salary Examples
- New York: $86,932 average for Civil Engineer PE
- California: $81,591 average for Civil Engineer PE
- Pennsylvania: $82,872 average for Civil Engineer PE
Washington State leads as the highest-paying state for civil engineer jobs overall, with New York and the District of Columbia following closely behind.
Geotechnical Engineers: Even Higher Earning Potential
For geotechnical engineers specifically, the salary outlook is particularly strong:
- National average: $92,871 annually
- Salary range: $71,000 (25th percentile) to $109,000 (75th percentile)
- Glassdoor reports: $76,955 average, with total pay reaching $92,004
- Salary.com: $152,303 average (likely including senior positions)
Top earners in geotechnical engineering make $133,000 annually, with salaries as high as $147,500 reported in some markets.
How Much Can You Expect Your Salary to Increase?
Getting your PE license typically results in an immediate salary bump:
Expected increase: $5,000 to $15,000+ in additional pay when obtaining your PE license.
Real-world examples from engineering forums show varied experiences:
- Some companies offer modest increases ($100/month or $1,200 annually)
- Others provide substantial raises (5-10% salary increases)
- Many structural engineering firms immediately increase salaries when engineers pass their PE and start signing plans
Industry and Company Size Impact
Your employer type significantly affects your PE-licensed salary:
By Company Size
Larger firms typically pay more:
- 10,000+ employees: ~$141,000 median income
- 1-10 employees: ~$112,000 median income
Top-Paying Companies for PE-Licensed Engineers
Companies with highest PE salaries include:
- Chevron and AT&T (highly competitive)
- WSP Global Inc.: $107,602 average
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: $108,174 average
- Power Engineers, Inc.: $102,757 average
Experience Levels: Career Progression with PE License
Your salary growth accelerates with a PE license:
Entry Level (0-2 years)
- Entry-level civil engineers: $76,000 median starting salary
- EIT (Engineer-in-Training): $60,000-$90,000 range
Mid-Career (3-7 years)
- Early career geotechnical engineers with PE: $72,752 average
- Civil engineers with PE: $85,000-$110,000 typical range
Senior Level (8+ years)
- Registered geotechnical engineers: $178,000 average salary
- Executive-level engineers: $135,405 median
Additional Certifications = Additional Pay
Beyond the PE license, specialized certifications can boost earnings further:
According to ASCE data:
- Professional Management Professional: $165,000 median salary
- Registered Geotechnical Engineers: $178,000 average salary
Why the PE License Commands Higher Salaries
The PE license enables several career advantages that directly translate to higher pay:
- Legal Authority: Only PE-licensed engineers can approve engineering plans and take legal responsibility for engineering work.
- Independent Practice: PEs can offer consulting services directly to the public, opening entrepreneurial opportunities.
- Career Advancement: Most senior engineering positions require or strongly prefer PE licensure.
- Professional Recognition: The PE license demonstrates commitment to the profession and mastery of engineering principles.
The Investment Pays Off
While obtaining your PE license requires:
- 4+ years of work experience under a PE
- Passing the PE exam (8-hour comprehensive test)
- Ongoing continuing education requirements
- Annual licensing fees
The return on investment is substantial, with most engineers seeing $5,000-$15,000+ immediate salary increases, and the potential for much higher long-term earnings.
Looking Ahead: Salary Trends for 2025
The outlook for PE-licensed civil engineers remains strong:
- Civil engineering salaries continue climbing, with median base salaries up $4,000 over the previous year and $16,000 since 2019.
- The 2024 ASCE report shows median pre-tax income for civil engineers increased to $132,000 in 2023, up $2,000 from 2022.
- Job satisfaction remains high: 86.7% of salary survey respondents report being satisfied or very satisfied with their jobs.
The Bottom Line
For civil engineers, the PE license represents one of the most reliable paths to higher earnings. With salary premiums ranging from $5,000 to $42,000+ annually, the license typically pays for itself within the first year.
Whether you're just starting your career or have years of experience, pursuing your PE license is a strategic investment in your earning potential. The data is clear: licensed engineers consistently out-earn their unlicensed peers across all experience levels, industries, and geographic regions.
Ready to take the next step toward higher earnings? The PE exam preparation process starts with understanding the requirements in your state and developing a study plan that fits your schedule and learning style.