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New SE License Salary Advice

New SE License Salary Advice

New SE License Salary Advice

(OP)
I found out recently that I have passed the SE exam (Passed the Vertical Forces the first time and Lateral forces on my first retake). Now I'm working on applying for my SE license. Assuming I have no issues with the paperwork and I get my license, how should I go about asking for a raise and how much would be reasonable to ask for? I was asked to obtain the license by my employer as we do a lot of work in a state that requires the SE license, so this would be the fulfillment of a request.

I switched employers after obtaining my PE and my previous employer gave me a raise without me having to ask. It was much more than I was expecting, so I'm hoping for a repeat performance! In the case that it doesn't happen I'd like to be prepared to address the situation. Is there a typical percentage increase that could be expected? I did shell out close to $2,000 in exam fees and resource materials all of which came out of my own pocket though I expect partial exam fee refunds once I actually obtain my license.

RE: New SE License Salary Advice

First of all, congratulations. It's a hard slog to pass and I respect anyone who goes through it.
I'm not sure you should expect an instant big raise. I'm guessing you get a bonus ($1500 to $2000) plus they should cover your expenses. After that when, you're due for a raise, you'll get maybe another dollar an hour (or $2000 per year, if your salaried).
The bigger money is in promotions (once you get the SE, you should move up in classification) which has a slower fuse. You get a promotion, move to the lower end of that pay scale, but have a higher midpoint to move to.

RE: New SE License Salary Advice

If this was a condition of your employment, you may not get a raise, You may get a pat on the back or an " Attaboy certificate"
B.E.

You are judged not by what you know, but by what you can do.

RE: New SE License Salary Advice

I got no bonus specifically for getting licensed (found out exam results during holiday bonus season, plus employer covered exam expense), but did get a ~10% raise.

As berkshire noted, if passing the SE exam was a condition of getting hired, then I'd expect nothing.

RE: New SE License Salary Advice

(OP)
Thanks for the thoughts. I don't know if I would say that passing the SE was a condition of my hire, but that it would be something that I would be expected to work toward. It's not like I'm being paid an SE salary now because I am expected to get the license.

Regardless of what my employer does be it say "attaboy" or pat me on the back I feel I'm in line for a raise given my current salary, experience, and responsibilities within the company. I'm wondering what sort of raise can be expected of an employer who potentially gives raises for a career accomplishment such as this, and how to go about asking for one. If raises are not automatic within my company, I would like to get a ballpark number for asking for one. Thanks MrHershey for your input. I would be happy with 10%.

I'm still young and don't know how all of this works. I appreciate all the comments.

RE: New SE License Salary Advice

I would think it is unlikely they will cough up a 10% raise even if you have passed the exam. Probably your best bet is to research your market value and present it to your employer with a grateful attitude about your current situation. Most people receive their biggest pay bumps by changing jobs.

RE: New SE License Salary Advice

"Most people receive their biggest pay bumps by changing jobs."

This appears to be unfortunate but very true.

Maine Professional and Structural Engineer.
(Just passed the 16-hour SE exam, woohoo!)

RE: New SE License Salary Advice

I recieved no raise for passing the SE. My company did pay the exam fee, provided study materials, and provided me a $700 bonus.

I also fear the only way to receive a big raise is by changing jobs.

RE: New SE License Salary Advice

I just passed the PE and my company paid for the exam, gave me a $2k bonus and a $400/month raise. I don't know if we have any bonus or raise system for SE, but if we do I would assume it is similar. Hope this helps.

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