How to become a professional engineer
Official title: Other professional engineers
Also called: Naval engineer, Marine engineer, Textile engineer, Agronomy engineer, Biomedical engineer, Bioresource engineer, Dairy plant engineer, Engineer in agronomy, Agricultural engineer, Shipbuilding engineer, Bioelectrical engineer, Biomechanical engineer
Other professional engineers include agricultural and bioresource engineers, biomedical engineers, engineering physicists and engineering scientists, marine and naval engineers, textile engineers and other specialized engineering occupations.
Main tasks
- Agricultural and bio-resource engineers
- Design and develop machinery, structures, equipment and systems related to agriculture and food processing
- Biomedical engineers
- Design and develop medical diagnostic and clinical instrumentation, equipment and procedures; develop devices to assist persons with disabilities; advise hospital administrators on planning, acquisition and use of medical equipment; and modify and install or supervise installation of equipment
- Engineering physicists and engineering scientists
- Conduct research, develop processes, programs and equipment to expand fundamental knowledge in the applied sciences and engineering and to support advanced engineering and scientific applications
- Marine and naval engineers
- Design and develop marine vessels and floating structures and associated marine power plants, propulsion systems and related systems and equipment and oversee the building, maintenance and repair of vessels and marine systems
How to become one
A bachelor's degree in an appropriate engineering discipline is required. A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required. Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports, and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.). Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.
Ways in
- University: Engineering degrees, Offered by 15 universities in Canada
- Licence or registration: Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports, and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $97,500 a year The middle half earn $75,933 to $126,087.
- About 42,900 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 46,800 are projected by 2033. (+9.1%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a professional engineer?
A bachelor's degree in an appropriate engineering discipline is required. A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required. Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports, and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.). Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.
How much does a professional engineer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $97,500 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $75,933 to $126,087.
Is a professional engineer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 9% by 2033, from about 42,900 to about 46,800 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a professional engineer?
Usually. 68% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03