Illinois requires a state-level professional engineer license. The licensing authority is State Board of Professional Engineers. The median salary is $105,672 per year.
Last updated 2026-05-08
Illinois requires a professional engineer to hold a state license. Design, develop, and oversee engineering projects. PE stamp required for public works and many construction projects. Licensing is administered by the State Board of Professional Engineers.
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | ABET-accredited engineering degree + 4 years supervised experience (EIT/FE → PE path) |
| Experience Details | ABET-accredited engineering degree + 4 years supervised experience (EIT/FE → PE path) |
Illinois requires passing the Illinois PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering) Exam with a minimum score of 70%. The application fee is $375.
| Exam Name | Illinois PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering) Exam |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Code Edition | PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering) Exam |
| Application Fee | $375 |
Getting licensed as a professional engineer in Illinois takes 24 months on the typical path. Here are the steps.
The total cost includes an exam application fee of $375 and renewal fees of $375 every 2 years. Continuing education of 30 hours is required per renewal cycle.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam Application | $375 |
| License Renewal | $375 every 2 years |
| Continuing Education | 30 hours |
Professional Engineers in Illinois earn a median salary of $105,672, which is less than the national average. Data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
| Mean (average) | — / year |
| Entry level (10th pct) | — |
| Top earners (90th pct) | — |
| Total employed | — in Illinois |
| National average | $100,640 |
Yes — Illinois requires a state-level professional engineer license. Design, develop, and oversee engineering projects. PE stamp required for public works and many construction projects.
The required exam is the Illinois PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering) Exam. You need a score of 70% to pass. The exam fee is $375.
The median annual salary for professional engineers in Illinois is $105,672. The national median is $100,640.
Illinois requires 30 hours of continuing education for license renewal every 2 years.
The fastest path takes approximately 6 months. The typical path takes 24 months including experience requirements.