332 replies to this topic

[kappa821]

passed the pe in nj, dont expect a pay raise,

anyone have any better luck?

[avd]

passed the pe in nj, dont expect a pay raise,

anyone have any better luck?

time for a new job.

[momech]

See http://engineerboard...showtopic=12335

[Dark Knight]

Two announces were made today. Botyh guys passed the PE and were promoted to Sr. Engineer with a pay rise of ~10% each one and a 3% more waiting to be effective in March. It pays for some people. It depends on where you are.

[cityeng]

I passed this time and have been told that it will probably not be until August, but it will be 10%

[civ_wre_nc]

I got screwed by a few weeks. Accepted a new job ~ Dec 8 and found out three weeks later that I got the PE. However, new employer does not have any "adjustments" for getting the PE. It was awkward to ask for it the second day at new job but I tried.
But, I had to relocate and that was a priority over $$. I did get ~3% due to switching and will have to be happy with that at least for now. Good Luck to rest of you for getting a raise!!

[t1manster]

I finally got a pay raise, but it came from corporate not my office manager.

[razski]

pay raise ... LOL

[aucivileng]

Raise? What's that? Haven't even heard that term in any other form than "nobodies getting a" in over 3 years.

[RobertR]

Automatic 12% for me.

[ptatohed]

I wouldn't ask for one in this economy. Personally, I am just happy to be employed.

[astewart]

^This is the reply Milton would give.

[navyasw02]

I wouldn't ask for one in this economy. Personally, I am just happy to be employed.

It never hurts to try, the worst they'll say is no.

[Sandman VA]

For all of those that have indicated no raise, I think that is horrible. Being able to acheive an accomplishment such as obtaining your PE license should not be undervalued. You have accomplished something remarkable, please don't let an employer take that away from you. If your current employer does not reward you or thinks having your PE license does not benefit your company, I say leave and find work someplace else.

I work in the consulting industry and while I may be glad to have work, I feel my company is lucky to have me as well. We have locked out raises this year as the economy pitfalls has finally hit our business, but I will still receive a raise, probably around 7%. The point is that having a PE license makes you more valuable, more creditable, and generally more desired. You are billed at a higher rate and have proven your capabilities.

Let's not allow the employers to have all the power, being employed is a give and take relationship. I assume that not a single one of us would leave our families everyday without compensation and face it, we became engineers because we wanted above average compensation. If you allow yourself to be undervalued, it hurts your bank account and the rest of us as well. (Why hire candidate A if candidate B will allow me to pay them less). Be fair, but stick up for what is right!

[navyasw02]

For all of those that have indicated no raise, I think that is horrible. Being able to acheive an accomplishment such as obtaining your PE license should not be undervalued. You have accomplished something remarkable, please don't let an employer take that away from you. If your current employer does not reward you or thinks having your PE license does not benefit your company, I say leave and find work someplace else.

I work in the consulting industry and while I may be glad to have work, I feel my company is lucky to have me as well. We have locked out raises this year as the economy pitfalls has finally hit our business, but I will still receive a raise, probably around 7%. The point is that having a PE license makes you more valuable, more creditable, and generally more desired. You are billed at a higher rate and have proven your capabilities.

Let's not allow the employers to have all the power, being employed is a give and take relationship. I assume that not a single one of us would leave our families everyday without compensation and face it, we became engineers because we wanted above average compensation. If you allow yourself to be undervalued, it hurts your bank account and the rest of us as well. (Why hire candidate A if candidate B will allow me to pay them less). Be fair, but stick up for what is right!

Exactly. Your company sure as hell will bill the customer more for your work, so you might as well get a piece. Either way, they're still making money.

[snickerd3]

unless you work for a state/federal agency then there are mandated payscales that are not affected by passing tests such as the PE.

I got my exam fees and hotel bill paid. I also got paid for the day I took the test. that's it.

[ptatohed]

I wouldn't ask for one in this economy. Personally, I am just happy to be employed.

It never hurts to try, the worst they'll say is no.

I disagree. Actually, 'no' may be the worse they'll say but the worse they'll think is: "What an a-hole. All pay raises have been frozen for two+ years now for every single employee, no cost of living increases, we are on furlough (10% deduction in pay for everyone), there is a hiring freeze, and there have been significant lay-offs - but this guy is asking for a raise". What an a-hole."

But that's just me. Every firm/organization is different. I am just happy to have a job at this current time.

[navyasw02]

I wouldn't ask for one in this economy. Personally, I am just happy to be employed.

It never hurts to try, the worst they'll say is no.

I disagree. Actually, 'no' may be the worse they'll say but the worse they'll think is: "What an a-hole. All pay raises have been frozen for two+ years now for every single employee, no cost of living increases, we are on furlough (10% deduction in pay for everyone), there is a hiring freeze, and there have been significant lay-offs - but this guy is asking for a raise". What an a-hole."

But that's just me. Every firm/organization is different. I am just happy to have a job at this current time.

I'm all for job security, but if they're billing your hours at the PE hourly rate then I'd have a problem with them not giving me a cut of that. Otherwise, it's just pure extra profit for them while you're still picking up scraps.

[astewart]

The bottom line is, the cost of your services (employment) is equal to the amount that the next engineering firm is willing to pay you. There's no formula for "I earned ____ before my PE, I did these tasks, now I have my PE and now my value to the company =___". If you particularly like your company or have a good enough reason to stay, it may be worth working for less money. But to say you're happy where you are or to be scared to ask for a raise so you don't lose your job is absurd. And any company that would say you're an asshole for asking for a raise is absurd.

[avd]

The bottom line is, the cost of your services (employment) is equal to the amount that the next engineering firm is willing to pay you. There's no formula for "I earned ____ before my PE, I did these tasks, now I have my PE and now my value to the company =___". If you particularly like your company or have a good enough reason to stay, it may be worth working for less money. But to say you're happy where you are or to be scared to ask for a raise so you don't lose your job is absurd. And any company that would say you're an asshole for asking for a raise is absurd.

They are going to think you are a loser for not asking.

[giddy]

Pay Cut for me. My wife is staying home with our baby. Although she was going to do that anyway.

[Sandman VA]

So, finally got my raise. 4%. I can't believe that my employer thought that giving me such a small raise would somehow make me feel okay. I have typically gotten that for a regular annual raise, not for something so significant. Based on my market value in my neck of the woods, I believe that I am worth about 15% more, minimum. I knew my employer would lowball me, but I had thought 7% or so would have been worse case. With only 4%, I'm floored.

Can we say, "Hello Resume". It has been updated and it now has wings. Already sat for one interview with full intentions of sitting for more soon. I just want to be paid fair market value, its not like I am asking to be in the top 10%, average would be fine for now.

Who else is having this problem? Everyone says that you must change employers when you get your PE, that doing so is the only way to get the correct income. I had hoped my employer would be different.

[cruise master]

I work for State Government, got around 7%. Tough to complain considering the hiring and pay increase freeze.

[industrial]

how much is average salaries for a PE? In private industries (big companies as well mom & pop shop)? In state govt?

[NorCalEng]

Lets play devils advocate:

It all depends on what you bring to the table for your employer. If your day to day tasks do not change after you get the PE, why should they pay you more? I understand you may be worth more to a new employer, but I dont think company A should pay you more just because company B will, especially if you dont bring anything new to the table.

If you want a raise from your current employer, make yourself more valuable. Take on the responsibility of being a design lead, project manager, take a more involved role with the company. Adding 2 letters to your name is worthless if you just stay a CAD-monkey.

Also, is a PE necessary in your line of work? Some industries and employers dont want and/or require a PE. Look at construction, despite needing a civil degree to get some of the jobs, you are not needed to get your PE to get promoted to superintendent or higher. My first employer (heavy highway contractor) actually discouraged engineers from getting their PE, because it would mean they would leave since the contractor let it be known they wouldnt give pay raises.

Also, what it the current state of your employer and industry? If you work for a land development consultant right now, they may be doing everything they can just to not crash. If there has been a 2+ year pay/hire freeze, how do you think the other employees would feel if you're demanding 10% or more without doing anything new for them?

The company i worked for when i got my PE wasnt able to give an immediate raise because the projects i was working on had me at a contracted EIT rate. My responsibilities didnt change, my company wasnt billing me out for any more, and was actually losing money because they had to add me to their liability insurance. When i talked with my boss after passing, he explained all of this to me and let me know that as soon as we started on a new project i would get a raise (10% raise received 3 months later).

My point: look at the whole picture before you trash your current employer. If after that you still want more (both more $ amd more responsibility), then talk with your boss and explain yourself.

good reasoning. I agree totally. Its real simple, you want changes? make it happen, do not wait for it to come and get piss later when it never comes. Seeking new employment is nothing new. If you can find something better. take it.

""My point: look at the whole picture before you trash your current employer. ""
- who is trashing their employer? everyone is simply explaining their situation. no bashing from what I am seeing

[Sandman VA]

So, finally got my raise. 4%. I can't believe that my employer thought that giving me such a small raise would somehow make me feel okay. I have typically gotten that for a regular annual raise, not for something so significant. Based on my market value in my neck of the woods, I believe that I am worth about 15% more, minimum. I knew my employer would lowball me, but I had thought 7% or so would have been worse case. With only 4%, I'm floored.

Can we say, "Hello Resume". It has been updated and it now has wings. Already sat for one interview with full intentions of sitting for more soon. I just want to be paid fair market value, its not like I am asking to be in the top 10%, average would be fine for now.

Who else is having this problem? Everyone says that you must change employers when you get your PE, that doing so is the only way to get the correct income. I had hoped my employer would be different.

Update: I did have to get a new job. Quite ridiculous if you ask me. Compensation is 18% more than I was making last year (that was without negotiating) and over 13% more than my old place was willing to pay. Now, the old place is looking for someone to replace me and will end up paying them more than the 10% raise I would have accepted, while low I would have called it fair. Makes no sense at all! Why must employers do this us employees? I don't understand how this helps them.

[Exception Collection]

I was re-hired in 2006 at my current office, and got one raise before the economy tanked. Since then, I've become much more qualified, having obtained my WA E.I.T. and P.E. in Oct. 2008/April 2009 respectively. Yes, consecutive testing periods. I'd been trying to qualify for the Oregon EI by experience only (8 years required) when I learned that WA only requires 4 years for EIT and 4 more for licensure.

I just received my first raise since 2007; 22%, but it's still not enough to put me at the same pay I was at in 2007 (I was full, now part, time).

[SamJSmith]

Thankfully, we live in a Capitalistic economy. This means if an employee doesn't like their job, they are free to seek work elsewhere. An employer has no obligation to give a raise but this can also be a risk for them. An employer doesn't give raises or good compensation to be nice, they do it to be competitive within the market.

[DannyV]

At our company we have a $5000 flat raise for everyone that obtains the first PE! It's OK if you are at the beggining of your career, 4-5 yrs. But is not great if you already have 10-15 years in the business.

[Eddierizzle]

Out of curiousity those that received a raise from passing the PE, did your salary get bumped up to at least 60k? Mine didn't unfortunately, but at the same time we don't have alot of work going on right now but it's slowly turning around so I do feel lucky I did receive something for passing the PE though. Plus side from my job is my health benefits and other miscellaneous benefits are top notch.

The other question is what should a brand new PE be actually making in terms of salary? I always thought it should be at least 65k.

[pdm]

Well I knew I wouldn't get an immediate pay raise, but I was told that my promotion would come sooner!

[aadams22]

We only get 3% for passing the PE, but I'll be hitting 70k next year whether or not I pass it. I will also get reimbursed for the exam fee.

Edited by aadams22, 26 May 2011 - 08:57 PM.

[va_gator]

Not really expecting a raise due to a company wide salary freeze. But I'll have some grocery/gas money, since the company reimburses us the $255 exam fee if we pass.

[hountzmj]

Boss tells me something is in the works.

We'll see what it is.

[jenni179]

Won't get a raise but the company gives a $3,000 bonus.

[SpacedOut31416]

We get promotions and pay raises where I work now, because the PE is valued.

Where I worked previously (in Telecom), nobody cared about having a PE. Because of that, it was many years before I even took the PE and passed (April 2011) as there was no PE to supervise me.

Nevertheless, I personally think it has value - simply because you don't know what the future will hold. Also, it takes someone with a good bit of self-discipline to put in all the EXTRA time preparing for the exam (about 10 months for me).

Even if it takes multiple times to pass it, that shows perseverance and strength - 2 very good qualities.

Finally, I found PE prep to have a lot of practical knowledge in it - so I learned some things.

In short, I think in the final analysis (at some point in time) passing it will help (IMO).

Edited by SpacedOut31416, 26 May 2011 - 10:04 PM.

[jv21]

Won't get a raise but the company gives a $3,000 bonus.

A banner saying 'good job, now get back to work smart-ass' ?

[jv21]

Out of curiousity those that received a raise from passing the PE, did your salary get bumped up to at least 60k? Mine didn't unfortunately, but at the same time we don't have alot of work going on right now but it's slowly turning around so I do feel lucky I did receive something for passing the PE though. Plus side from my job is my health benefits and other miscellaneous benefits are top notch.

The other question is what should a brand new PE be actually making in terms of salary? I always thought it should be at least 65k.

That depends on where you live. I made more then 65k without a PE. Now that I passed, I hope to get about 7-10k more

[Hammy_81]

Where you live is important...your experience is also important. Without knowing what someones experience/field just telling us your salary really is not much help.

I have four years experience and just passed my PE, on my first try thankfully, work in roadway design and make $59k. My company gives a $1000 bonus for passing the PE, I am not sure about the raise yet, I am hoping for one though.

[dmparri3]

I'm just hoping for a job. Now that I've passed, I hope my prospects improve.

[Aureliano]

No raise or bonus for me. Heck, nobody even knows that I passed the exam.

[papa j]

None yet. However, we're in the process of reviews, so here's hoping.

[Rustyga13]

I'm in the same boat as you Aureliano, I have only told my family and a couple of friends outside of work.

Why you ask? Because I am pretty sure I will not get a raise or re-payment for any of my expenses for the exam. (About $2000, for exam, School of PE, and 2 hours of travel to and from Orlando for School of PE) But I'm sure to get a "title promotion" maybe from "Staff Engineer" to "Project Engineer", which would lead to an increased work load which I don’t think I could handle due to my current work load, say 45 - 55 hours per week.

But I will say this for anyone thinking of taking a study course, I was very pleased with the School of PE course. I’m not sure about the others and I am sure they are very good also, but I have 4 friends that took the course and passed the exam. (5 including myself). So I would say it was money well spent.

[Peele1]

We Engineers need to get a backbone and demand promotions and raises.
I think that anyone who doesn't get a pay raise and job title promotion should not use their PE license/stamp/seal for the benefit of the employer. Employers need to get a backbone and charge more. This is a professional, liable, service.

Think about this:

A building needs to get built, the following are hypothetical per hour rates:

Architect: $100-200 - very responsible for the safety
Engineers: $75-150 - very responsible for the safety
Lawyers: $300-400 - no responsibility for the safety

Those "extravert" type people make more money. We should start charging the rates Lawyers do!

[va_gator]

It's almost as if many firms are now taking advantage of the recession, by low-balling their employees. I am thankful to have a job, but don't use that as an excuse to not reward your employees when they deserve it.

[Crazydock]

In my opinion, the PE license gives you unlimited professional opportunities for your future. If you do not get a pay raise right now is ok but you can get much more in a year or two. I personally think, I will get a pay increase (My boss promised $10K) but we will discuss it in a week.

[Peele1]

It's almost as if many firms are now taking advantage of the recession, by low-balling their employees. I am thankful to have a job, but don't use that as an excuse to not reward your employees when they deserve it.

I see this, and read about it, in just about every job category. "Just keep working and be thankful you have a job!" The super-rich are getting richer while cutting the pay of everyone else. It is partly a self-fulfilling prophecy!

[va_gator]

To be honest, I don't even know how to ask for a raise. Exactly how it's done I don't know, it's like I'm supposed to feel guilty about it because of the current state of the economy.

I started my career late-2006, and the recession began around the end of 2007, so I have never been through the process of an annual review that was followed by a raise. When I left my last company, I was making less than what I had started with as an entry-level engineer due to the salary reductions. The only pay increase I eve saw was through moving to a different company.