New SE License Salary Advice

[WiSEiwish]

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.

 

[JedClampett]

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.

 

[berkshire]

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.

 

[MrHershey]

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.

 

[WiSEiwish]

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.

 

[CarolinaPE]

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.

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

"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!)

 

[Gumpmaster]

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.

 

[BamaStrucPESE]

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.