Geographic Trends in Engineering Licenses Across New York State: A Closer Look

In our latest analysis, we delved into the comprehensive data provided by the New York State engineering board, uncovering fascinating trends and patterns in the distribution of professional engineering licenses. Our study reveals intriguing insights into the geographic distribution of engineers, highlighting the significant concentrations in urban areas, substantial numbers in suburban counties, and the lower presence in rural regions.

Urban counties like Kings, New York, Queens, and Bronx dominate the scene with the highest numbers of licenses, reflecting the intense demand for engineering services in bustling metropolitan areas. Meanwhile, suburban counties such as Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, and Rockland show a strong presence, underscoring their rapid growth and development. In contrast, rural counties exhibit lower numbers, pointing to different economic dynamics and professional needs.

Join us as we explore these trends in detail.

Related: Trends in New York Engineering Licenses: A Five-Year Review

Engineering Licenses Issued in New York

The New York State Education Department (“SED”) Office of the Professions (“OP”) issues licenses to professional engineers. We reviewed their 2024 licensing data and found some very interesting trends.

Here is the licensing data that the Board provided. It lists the number of professional engineering licenses issued by the State of New York over the past five years.

Table: Engineering Licenses Issued Over the Past Five Years

Year	Licenses Issued
2019	1,429
2020	1,588
2021	1,481
2022	1,677
2023	2,016

The number of engineering licenses issued in New York has shown a steady increase over the past five years, rising from 1,429 in 2019 to 2,016 in 2023. This trend reflects the growing demand for engineering expertise driven by urban development, infrastructure projects, and economic growth across the state.

Trend #1: Population Density and Demand for Engineers

To better understand the distribution of engineering talent across New York, let’s look at the top counties by the number of professional engineer licenses issued. This table highlights the counties with the highest concentrations of licensed engineers, reflecting the areas with the most significant demand for engineering services.

Table: Top Counties by Number of Engineering Licenses

County	Licenses Issued
Nassau	1,677
Queens	1,492
New York	1,216
Suffolk	1,331
Westchester	1,246
Kings	978
Erie	840
Monroe	752
Onondaga	659
Albany	601

There are some clear trends and interesting facts in this data. Let’s take a closer look.

Relating Trends to General Population in New York

Urban Population Density and Engineering Demand

• High Population Density: Urban areas like New York City, including counties such as New York (Manhattan), Kings (Brooklyn), and Queens, have extremely high population densities. These areas are home to millions of residents who require extensive infrastructure to support their daily lives.
• Impact on Engineering Licenses: The high number of professional engineer licenses in these counties reflects the need for continuous maintenance, expansion, and modernization of infrastructure. High population density drives demand for residential buildings, commercial spaces, transportation systems, and utilities.

Suburban Population Trends and Engineering Needs

• Suburban Growth: Suburban counties such as Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester have seen significant population growth as people move away from city centers in search of more space while remaining within commuting distance of urban job centers.
• Engineering Services Demand: This suburban expansion necessitates the development of new housing developments, schools, healthcare facilities, and commercial centers, all of which require engineering expertise. The high number of licenses in these areas underscores this demand.

Rural Population Characteristics and Engineering Licenses

• Lower Population Density: Rural counties like Allegany, Lewis, and Schuyler have much lower population densities. These areas are characterized by smaller towns and vast expanses of farmland or undeveloped land.
• Limited Engineering Demand: The lower number of engineering licenses in rural counties corresponds with the reduced demand for complex infrastructure projects. Basic infrastructure, such as roads, small bridges, and agricultural facilities, typically suffices for these populations.

To illustrate the variations in engineering license distribution across different types of regions, the following table compares urban, suburban, and rural counties. This comparison highlights the distinct engineering needs and demands based on population density and economic activity in these areas.

Table: Comparison of Urban, Suburban, and Rural Counties

Category	Example Counties	Total Licenses Issued
Urban	New York, Kings, Queens	3,686
Suburban	Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester	4,254
Rural	Allegany, Lewis, Schuyler	58

Overall Economic Activity and Growth

Urban Economic Activity and Engineering Demand

• Economic Hubs: Urban counties are economic powerhouses with dense concentrations of businesses, financial institutions, and government bodies. New York City, for example, is a global financial center, attracting a myriad of businesses and investments.
• Infrastructure and Development: The economic activity in urban areas drives continuous infrastructure development and modernization, creating a high demand for engineers to design and oversee these projects. Skyscrapers, transportation networks, and advanced utilities require sophisticated engineering solutions.

Suburban Economic Growth and Engineering Services

• Residential and Commercial Expansion: Suburban counties are experiencing economic growth driven by residential developments, retail centers, and corporate offices relocating from urban centers.
• Engineering Opportunities: This growth translates to a steady demand for engineering services to support new construction, infrastructure improvements, and community developments. Engineers in these areas work on projects that enhance the quality of life for suburban residents.

Rural Economic Activity and Engineering Projects

• Agriculture and Natural Resources: Rural counties often focus on agriculture, forestry, and resource extraction, with less emphasis on industrial and commercial development.
• Infrastructure Needs: Engineering projects in rural areas typically involve basic infrastructure such as road maintenance, water systems, and agricultural facilities. There are opportunities for growth in renewable energy projects, such as wind farms and solar installations, leveraging the vast open spaces.

Wrap Up for Trend #1

The distribution of engineering licenses across urban, suburban, and rural counties in New York reflects the varying demands driven by population density and economic activity. Urban areas, with their dense populations and high economic activity, require extensive and sophisticated infrastructure, resulting in a higher concentration of engineers. Suburban areas also show significant engineering activity, supporting ongoing residential and commercial growth. In contrast, rural areas have fewer engineers, aligning with their lower population densities and focus on basic infrastructure and agriculture.

Trend #2 – High Concentration in Urban Counties

Urban counties in New York State, such as Kings, New York, Queens, and Bronx, exhibit a high concentration of professional engineering licenses. This concentration highlights the significant demand for engineering expertise in densely populated and economically active regions.

In 2024, New York has the following number of engineering licenses in each urban county:

• Kings County: 978 licenses
• New York County: 1,216 licenses
• Queens County: 1,492 licenses
• Bronx County: 187 licenses

Here is a bar chart displaying this data.

This chart provides a clear visualization of the distribution of engineering licenses across the urban counties.

Trend: High Number of Engineering Licenses in Urban Counties

Urban counties like New York (1,216 licenses), Kings (978 licenses), and Queens (1,492 licenses) exhibit a high concentration of professional engineer licenses. These areas collectively account for a substantial portion of the total licenses issued in New York State, indicating a significant demand for engineering expertise.

Interesting Fact: Significant Portion of Total Licenses

These three counties alone—New York, Kings, and Queens—account for a significant portion of the total engineering licenses issued across the state. This concentration highlights the critical role that urban areas play in driving demand for engineering services.

Analysis of Trends and Implications

Dense Population Centers

• High Population Density: New York City, encompassing these three counties, is one of the most densely populated metropolitan areas in the United States. The high population density necessitates extensive infrastructure to support residential, commercial, and public services.
• Impact on Infrastructure: The sheer number of people living and working in these areas demands robust and complex infrastructure systems, including transportation networks, utilities, housing, and commercial facilities. Engineers are essential for designing, building, and maintaining these systems.

Economic Hubs

• Economic Activity: New York City is a global economic hub, home to major financial institutions, corporate headquarters, and a diverse range of industries. This economic activity generates continuous demand for infrastructure development and modernization.
• Engineering Opportunities: Engineers in these urban counties work on a variety of high-profile projects, from skyscrapers and bridges to advanced transit systems and sustainable urban developments. The presence of numerous engineering firms and consulting companies further drives the concentration of licenses.

Infrastructure Complexity

• Sophisticated Projects: Urban infrastructure projects in New York, Kings, and Queens counties are often large-scale and highly sophisticated. Examples include the construction of iconic skyscrapers, the expansion of subway systems, and the development of smart city technologies.
• Ongoing Maintenance: The need for ongoing maintenance and upgrades to existing infrastructure also contributes to the high demand for engineers. Urban areas require constant attention to ensure that systems operate efficiently and meet the needs of their growing populations.

Regulatory and Compliance Requirements

• Stringent Regulations: Urban areas like New York City have stringent building codes and regulatory requirements, necessitating the involvement of licensed professional engineers to ensure compliance.
• Safety and Standards: Engineers play a crucial role in upholding safety standards and ensuring that projects meet regulatory guidelines, further driving the concentration of licenses in these counties.

Educational Institutions and Talent Pool

• Proximity to Engineering Schools: Urban counties are often home to prestigious engineering schools and universities that produce a steady stream of engineering graduates. Institutions such as Columbia University and New York University contribute to the local talent pool.
• Retention of Talent: The presence of major engineering firms and diverse job opportunities in urban areas helps retain engineering talent, leading to a higher number of licensed engineers.

Wrap Up of Trend #2

The high concentration of engineering licenses in urban counties like New York, Kings, and Queens reflects the dense population, extensive economic activity, and complex infrastructure needs of these areas. Engineers in these urban centers play a crucial role in designing, constructing, and maintaining the sophisticated infrastructure required to support one of the world’s most dynamic metropolitan regions. This trend underscores the critical importance of engineering expertise in ensuring the growth, sustainability, and functionality of urban environments.

Trend #3 – Significant Numbers in Suburban Counties

Suburban counties in New York State, including Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, and Rockland, show significant numbers of professional engineering licenses. This distribution underscores the strong presence and necessity of engineering professionals in these rapidly growing and well-developed areas.

Here is a summary of the number of engineering licenses in each suburban county:

• Nassau County: 1,677 licenses
• Suffolk County: 1,331 licenses
• Westchester County: 1,246 licenses
• Rockland County: 293 licenses

This chart provides a clear visualization of the distribution of engineering licenses across the suburban counties.

Trend: High Number of Engineering Licenses in Suburban Counties

Suburban counties, including Nassau (1,677 licenses), Suffolk (1,331 licenses), and Westchester (1,246 licenses), exhibit a substantial number of professional engineer licenses. These areas show a strong demand for engineering services, reflecting their growing populations and robust economic activities.

Interesting Fact: Nassau County Leading in Licenses

Nassau County stands out with the highest number of licenses (1,677) among all counties in New York. This indicates its significant role as a suburban economic and residential hub, with extensive infrastructure and development needs.

Analysis of Trends and Implications

Suburban Growth and Population Increase

• Population Expansion: Suburban counties like Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester have experienced significant population growth as people seek more space while remaining within commuting distance of major urban centers like New York City.
• Residential Development: This population expansion drives the need for residential development, including new housing communities, apartment complexes, and associated amenities.

Economic Activity and Job Opportunities

• Economic Hubs: Suburban counties are thriving economic hubs with a mix of corporate offices, retail centers, and service industries. Nassau County, for instance, is home to numerous businesses and commercial establishments.
• Job Market: The presence of job opportunities in these suburban areas attracts a skilled workforce, including engineers who contribute to local development projects.

Infrastructure Development

• Transportation Projects: Suburban areas require extensive transportation infrastructure, including roads, highways, bridges, and public transit systems, to support commuter traffic to and from urban centers.
• Utilities and Services: Engineers in suburban counties work on projects related to utilities (water, electricity, sewage), healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and recreational amenities, ensuring a high quality of life for residents.

Commercial and Retail Development

• Retail Centers: The growth of large retail centers and shopping malls in suburban counties necessitates engineering expertise for design, construction, and maintenance.
• Corporate Offices: Suburban areas often attract corporate offices and business parks, requiring engineers to develop and maintain these commercial properties.

Educational Institutions and Research Facilities

• Proximity to Universities: Suburban counties often host or are in proximity to universities and research facilities, contributing to the local pool of engineering talent. For example, Westchester County is near several prestigious institutions.
• Research and Development: These institutions frequently engage in research and development projects, further driving the demand for engineers.

Community and Recreational Projects

• Parks and Recreational Facilities: Engineers in suburban counties are involved in designing and building community parks, recreational facilities, and sports complexes.
• Public Amenities: The development of public amenities such as libraries, community centers, and cultural institutions also requires engineering services.

Wrap Up of Trend #3

The substantial number of engineering licenses in suburban counties like Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester highlights the dynamic growth and development in these areas. Nassau County, in particular, leads with the highest number of licenses, underscoring its importance as a suburban economic and residential hub. Engineers in these counties play a crucial role in supporting the infrastructure, commercial development, and quality of life for residents. This trend reflects the broader movement of populations seeking the benefits of suburban living while maintaining access to urban opportunities, driving continuous demand for engineering expertise.

Trend #4 – Lower Numbers in Rural Counties

Rural counties in New York State, such as Allegany, Chenango, and Hamilton, have lower numbers of professional engineering licenses compared to their urban and suburban counterparts. This trend reflects the reduced demand for engineering services in these less densely populated and economically less active regions.

Here is a summary of the rural county engineering licenses.

• Allegany County: 22 licenses
• Chenango County: 23 licenses
• Hamilton County: 6 licenses
• Schuyler County: 12 licenses
• Seneca County: 8 licenses
• Tioga County: 27 licenses
• Yates County: 8 licenses

To highlight the engineering license distribution in less populated areas, the following table lists select rural counties. This data underscores the lower demand for engineering services in these regions compared to their urban and suburban counterparts.

Table: Engineering Licenses in Select Rural Counties

County	Licenses Issued
Allegany	22
Lewis	24
Schuyler	12
Seneca	8
Orleans	5

 

Here is a bar chart displaying the number of engineering licenses in selected rural counties.

This chart provides a clear visualization of the distribution of engineering licenses across these selected rural counties.

Trend: Fewer Engineering Licenses in Rural Counties

Rural counties such as Allegany (22 licenses), Lewis (24 licenses), and Schuyler (12 licenses) have significantly fewer professional engineer licenses compared to their urban and suburban counterparts. This trend highlights the lower demand for engineering services in these sparsely populated areas.

Interesting Fact: Small Fraction of Total Licenses

Collectively, rural counties represent only a small fraction of the total engineering licenses issued in New York. This disparity underscores the reduced need for extensive engineering projects in less densely populated regions.

Analysis of Trends and Implications

Low Population Density

• Sparse Population: Rural counties have much lower population densities compared to urban and suburban areas. For example, Allegany, Lewis, and Schuyler counties have small populations spread over large geographic areas.
• Limited Infrastructure Needs: With fewer residents, the demand for complex infrastructure is reduced. Basic infrastructure typically suffices to meet the needs of these communities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources Focus

• Primary Industries: Rural areas often focus on agriculture, forestry, and natural resource extraction, which do not require as extensive engineering services as urban industrial or commercial projects.
• Engineering Requirements: Engineering projects in these counties are often related to agricultural infrastructure, such as irrigation systems, grain storage, and livestock facilities, rather than large-scale urban development.

Basic Infrastructure Projects

• Road Maintenance: Rural engineering projects often involve the maintenance and improvement of basic infrastructure like roads and small bridges.
• Utility Systems: Engineers may also work on local utility systems, including water supply, sewage, and energy distribution, but these projects are generally smaller in scope compared to urban utilities.

Economic Activity and Development

• Lower Economic Activity: The economic activity in rural counties is generally lower, resulting in fewer commercial and industrial projects that require engineering expertise.
• Limited Growth: Economic growth in rural areas is often slower, leading to a steady but low demand for engineering services. Major development projects are less frequent compared to urban and suburban areas.

Challenges in Attracting and Retaining Engineers

• Attraction and Retention: Rural counties may face challenges in attracting and retaining professional engineers due to fewer job opportunities and amenities compared to urban centers.
• Workforce Development: Efforts to develop the local workforce and attract engineering talent are crucial but can be difficult without significant economic incentives or development projects.

Opportunities for Growth

• Renewable Energy Projects: Rural areas have the potential for renewable energy projects, such as wind farms and solar installations, which can attract engineering expertise.
• Infrastructure Investments: Targeted investments in infrastructure could stimulate demand for engineers, supporting local economic development and improving quality of life.

Wrap Up of Trend #4

The lower number of engineering licenses in rural counties like Allegany, Lewis, and Schuyler reflects the reduced demand for complex engineering services in these sparsely populated areas. These counties collectively represent only a small fraction of the total licenses issued in New York, highlighting the significant disparity in engineering needs between rural and more densely populated regions. Understanding this trend helps to emphasize the importance of tailoring infrastructure and development strategies to meet the unique needs of rural communities while exploring opportunities for growth and economic development through targeted investments and renewable energy projects.

Trend #5 – Geographic Distribution Insights

To further explore the geographic distribution of engineering licenses, the following table categorizes counties by size. This breakdown reveals how the number of licenses corresponds to the population and economic scale of each county type.

• Urban Counties: Kings, New York, Queens, Bronx
• Suburban Counties: Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland
• Rural Counties: All other counties

Table: Engineering Licenses by County Size

County Size	Counties Included	Total Licenses Issued
Large	Nassau, Queens, New York, Suffolk, Westchester	6,962
Medium	Erie, Monroe, Kings, Onondaga, Albany	3,830
Small	All other counties	4,913

Here is a chart comparing the total number of engineering licenses in urban, suburban, and rural counties:

This chart provides a clear comparison of the distribution of professional engineers across different types of regions.

Trend: Correlation Between Population Density and Number of Engineers

The geographic distribution of professional engineer licenses in New York State shows a clear correlation between population density and the number of engineers. Urban and suburban areas, which have higher population densities, exhibit a higher concentration of engineering licenses. In contrast, rural areas with lower population densities have significantly fewer licenses.

Interesting Fact: Major Cities and Economic Centers

Counties that are home to major cities or economic centers tend to have a higher number of engineering licenses. These areas, such as New York, Kings, and Queens counties, require extensive engineering services to support their dense populations and robust economies. Conversely, more rural areas like Allegany, Lewis, and Schuyler counties have significantly fewer licenses, reflecting the lower demand for complex engineering services.

Analysis of Trends and Implications

Urban Areas: High Engineering Density

• Population Density: Urban counties like New York (1,216 licenses), Kings (978 licenses), and Queens (1,492 licenses) have high population densities. These dense populations necessitate extensive infrastructure, including residential buildings, commercial spaces, and public transportation systems.
• Economic Hubs: These areas are major economic centers with numerous businesses, financial institutions, and industries that drive the demand for engineering services. Engineers are essential for designing and maintaining the complex infrastructure required to support these activities.

Suburban Areas: Significant Engineering Presence

• Growing Populations: Suburban counties like Nassau (1,677 licenses), Suffolk (1,331 licenses), and Westchester (1,246 licenses) are experiencing population growth as people move away from urban centers while still wanting to remain within commuting distance.
• Infrastructure Development: These areas require extensive infrastructure to support new housing developments, schools, healthcare facilities, and commercial centers. The substantial number of engineering licenses in these counties reflects this ongoing development and the need for engineering expertise.

Rural Areas: Lower Engineering Density

• Sparse Populations: Rural counties like Allegany (22 licenses), Lewis (24 licenses), and Schuyler (12 licenses) have much lower population densities. The demand for extensive infrastructure projects is minimal, resulting in fewer engineering licenses.
• Basic Infrastructure Needs: The infrastructure needs in rural areas are generally basic, focusing on road maintenance, small bridges, and agricultural facilities. There is less demand for the complex engineering projects typically found in urban and suburban areas.

Economic Activity and Infrastructure Projects

• Urban and Suburban Projects: The high concentration of licenses in urban and suburban areas correlates with the ongoing infrastructure and development projects in these regions. Engineers are involved in designing skyscrapers, expanding transportation networks, and developing utilities and smart city technologies.
• Rural Projects: In contrast, rural engineering projects are often smaller in scope, focusing on essential services and agricultural infrastructure. Opportunities for large-scale projects are limited, contributing to the lower number of engineering licenses.

Regional Disparities

• Resource Allocation: The disparity in engineering density highlights the need for targeted resource allocation to ensure balanced development across the state. Urban and suburban areas might require continuous investment in sophisticated infrastructure, while rural areas could benefit from focused investments in essential services and renewable energy projects.

Wrap Up of Trend #5

The geographic distribution of engineering licenses in New York State reveals a clear correlation between population density and the number of engineers. Urban and suburban areas, with their dense populations and robust economic activities, require extensive engineering services, resulting in a high concentration of licenses. Rural areas, with their lower population densities and basic infrastructure needs, have significantly fewer licenses. This trend underscores the importance of tailoring infrastructure development strategies to meet the unique needs of each region, ensuring that both urban and rural areas benefit from appropriate levels of engineering expertise and investment.

Final Takeaway

The geographic distribution of engineering licenses in New York State highlights a clear correlation between population density and the demand for engineering services.

Urban and suburban counties, with their dense populations and economic activities, exhibit a high concentration of licenses, driven by the need for extensive infrastructure and development projects.

In contrast, rural counties have significantly fewer licenses, reflecting their lower population densities and basic infrastructure needs. Understanding these trends helps inform tailored infrastructure strategies that address the unique needs of each region, ensuring balanced development and effective resource allocation across the state.