As professional engineers, we understand the critical role our profession plays in shaping the infrastructure and technological advancements within our communities. Our work is the backbone of innovation and safety, influencing everything from bridges and roads to the power grids and water systems that sustain daily life. In New Jersey, the engineering community is vibrant and diverse, contributing significantly to the state’s economy and quality of life.
The data presented in this article, provided by the New Jersey Board of Engineers, offers a comprehensive look at the distribution of licensed professional engineers across the state. Understanding this distribution is crucial for identifying areas where engineering expertise is abundant and where it may be lacking. This insight is not only valuable for strategic planning and resource allocation but also underscores the importance of continuing education in maintaining high standards of professional practice.
In this article, I’ll review the specifics of the distribution of professional engineers across New Jersey, with a particular focus on the counties with the fewest licensed professionals. We will explore the potential reasons behind these trends and discuss the critical role that continuing education plays in addressing these disparities.
Related articles:
Geographic Trends in Engineering Licenses Across New York State: A Closer Look
Trends in New York Engineering Licenses: A Five-Year Review
Overview of the New Jersey PE License Holders
Top 10 States by Number of License Holders
The most recent license information from the New Jersey Board of Engineers reveals a distribution of licensed professional engineers (PEs) and dual-licensed professional engineers and land surveyors across the state.
In total, there are 20,739 licensed Professional Engineers and 143 individuals holding dual licenses as both Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. The majority of these professionals are concentrated in more densely populated counties, such as Bergen, Middlesex, and Essex, reflecting the higher demand for engineering services in urban and suburban areas.
Conversely, rural counties like Salem, Sussex, and Warren exhibit significantly lower numbers of licensed engineers, which may be attributed to fewer large-scale infrastructure projects and industrial activities.
This uneven distribution underscores the necessity for accessible continuing education to ensure that all engineers, regardless of their geographic location, can maintain their licensure, stay current with industry standards, and effectively contribute to their local communities.
This table summarizes the number of PE licenses by the engineer’s state of residency.
| State | Number of License Holders | Percent of Total |
| NJ | 8,759 | 42.00% |
| PA | 2,779 | 13.30% |
| NY | 2,135 | 10.20% |
| FL | 675 | 3.20% |
| TX | 557 | 2.70% |
| VA | 400 | 1.90% |
| MD | 393 | 1.90% |
| NC | 383 | 1.80% |
| MA | 382 | 1.80% |
| OH | 379 | 1.80% |
| CA | 337 | 1.60% |
| CT | 302 | 1.40% |
| GA | 292 | 1.40% |
| IL | 284 | 1.40% |
| MO | 225 | 1.10% |
| CO | 199 | 1.00% |
| TN | 178 | 0.90% |
| MN | 169 | 0.80% |
| DE | 160 | 0.80% |
| SC | 156 | 0.70% |
| KS | 155 | 0.70% |
| MI | 149 | 0.70% |
| WI | 135 | 0.60% |
| IN | 120 | 0.60% |
| KY | 94 | 0.50% |
| AZ | 93 | 0.40% |
| WA | 92 | 0.40% |
| NH | 85 | 0.40% |
| LA | 73 | 0.30% |
| ME | 68 | 0.30% |
| OK | 68 | 0.30% |
| OR | 58 | 0.30% |
| AL | 57 | 0.30% |
| UT | 56 | 0.30% |
| AR | 53 | 0.30% |
| NV | 45 | 0.20% |
| DC | 45 | 0.20% |
| RI | 44 | 0.20% |
| NE | 37 | 0.20% |
| ID | 31 | 0.10% |
| VT | 26 | 0.10% |
| IA | 23 | 0.10% |
| WV | 20 | 0.10% |
| MT | 20 | 0.10% |
| NM | 13 | 0.10% |
| MS | 13 | 0.10% |
| ND | 7 | <0.1% |
| HI | 7 | <0.1% |
| SD | 5 | <0.1% |
| PR | 5 | <0.1% |
| WY | 4 | <0.1% |
| VI | 1 | <0.1% |
| AK | 1 | <0.1% |
| AE | 1 | <0.1% |
Current Landscape
The engineering landscape in New Jersey is both diverse and dynamic, reflecting the state’s unique blend of urban, suburban, and rural areas. According to the data provided by the New Jersey Board of Engineers, there are significant variations in the distribution of licensed professional engineers across the state.
Urban PE license numbers in NJ
In urban centers like Newark, Jersey City, and Paterson, the concentration of professional engineers is understandably high. These areas are hubs of commercial and industrial activity, requiring extensive engineering expertise to support their infrastructure and development projects. The presence of large corporations, public institutions, and ongoing construction projects create a robust demand for engineering talent.
Suburban PE license numbers in NJ
Suburban regions, characterized by a mix of residential developments, small businesses, and light industry, also show a healthy presence of licensed engineers. Towns such as Princeton, Cherry Hill, and Edison benefit from their proximity to urban centers while maintaining their unique local needs. Engineers in these areas often engage in projects related to residential construction, municipal infrastructure, and local environmental initiatives.
Rural PE license numbers in NJ
However, the data also reveals that several rural counties in New Jersey have significantly fewer licensed professional engineers. Counties such as Salem, Sussex, and Warren exhibit lower numbers, which may be attributed to smaller populations and fewer large-scale infrastructure projects. These areas might not have the same level of industrial activity or development as their urban and suburban counterparts, resulting in a reduced demand for engineering services.
Counties with the Highest Number of Professional Engineers
Top 10 counties by number of license holders
A review of the licensing data reveals that several counties stand out due to their high concentration of licensed professional engineers: Bergen, Middlesex, and Essex. This distribution is reflective of the substantial economic activities and development projects within these urban and suburban regions.
Bergen County
- Bergen County boasts the highest number of licensed professional engineers. As a hub for various industries, including pharmaceuticals, finance, and technology, the demand for engineering expertise is consistently high.
- The county’s proximity to New York City further amplifies the need for skilled engineers to support the extensive infrastructure and development projects that span across state lines.
Middlesex County
- Middlesex County is another significant center for professional engineers. Home to major corporations and research institutions, this county benefits from a robust industrial base that requires extensive engineering support.
- The presence of Rutgers University, a leading public research institution, contributes to a steady influx of engineering graduates who often stay in the area to pursue their professional careers.
Essex County
- Essex County also ranks high in terms of the number of licensed engineers. This county includes Newark, the largest city in New Jersey, which serves as a central hub for transportation, logistics, and commerce.
- The ongoing urban development and revitalization projects in Newark and surrounding areas create a continuous demand for engineering services, attracting professionals to the region.
Factors Contributing to High Numbers
- Economic Activity: The vibrant economic activities in these counties drive the demand for engineering services. Large corporations, research facilities, and ongoing development projects require the expertise of professional engineers to innovate and maintain infrastructure.
- Educational Institutions: Proximity to top engineering schools and universities provides a steady stream of qualified engineers who often choose to work locally after graduation.
- Infrastructure and Development: Urban areas with extensive infrastructure needs, such as transportation networks, commercial buildings, and residential developments, require a higher number of engineers to design, build, and maintain these projects.
The high concentration of professional engineers in these counties highlights the correlation between economic development and the need for engineering expertise. As these regions continue to grow and evolve, the role of professional engineers will remain crucial in supporting sustainable development and technological advancement.
Counties with the Fewest Professional Engineers
Delving deeper into the data provided by the New Jersey Board of Engineers, we find that several counties in New Jersey have a notably lower number of licensed professional engineers. Counties such as Salem, Sussex, Warren, and Cumberland are among those with the fewest engineering professionals. Understanding the factors contributing to this distribution can help us address potential disparities and enhance the reach and impact of our profession across the state.
These counties, characterized by their rural nature and lower population densities, naturally have fewer infrastructure projects and industrial activities compared to urbanized regions. The economic activities in these areas are often centered around agriculture, small-scale manufacturing, and local businesses, which traditionally require less engineering oversight than the large-scale urban developments seen in cities.
The reduced presence of professional engineers in these counties could be due to several factors:
1 – Economic Factors
- The economic landscape of these rural counties may not support a large number of engineering firms or projects, leading to fewer job opportunities for engineers.
- Budget constraints in smaller municipalities might limit the hiring of full-time engineers or the commissioning of large-scale engineering projects.
2 – Population Density
- Lower population densities mean fewer infrastructure needs and, consequently, fewer engineering projects.
- Smaller populations might also translate to a reduced demand for specialized engineering services, which are more common in densely populated urban areas.
3 – Industry Presence
- The types of industries prevalent in these counties, such as agriculture or small-scale manufacturing, may not demand the same level of engineering expertise as the high-tech or heavy industries found in urban centers.
- Limited industrial activity results in fewer engineering projects and less demand for professional engineers.
4 – Educational and Professional Development Opportunities
- Access to continuing education and professional development opportunities may be more limited in rural areas, making it harder for engineers to maintain their licenses and stay current with industry developments.
- Engineers in these regions might face challenges in attending in-person training sessions or conferences, which are often held in urban centers.
Importance of Continuing Education
Continuing education is a cornerstone of professional engineering practice, ensuring that engineers remain proficient, knowledgeable, and compliant with evolving industry standards and regulatory requirements.
This is especially important for engineers in counties with fewer professional peers, where access to resources and professional networks may be limited. In such areas, continuing education serves as a vital tool for bridging the gap and maintaining high standards of practice.
Maintaining Licensure
- In New Jersey, like many other states, professional engineers are required to complete a certain number of continuing education hours to renew their licenses. This ensures that all practicing engineers stay current with the latest advancements in technology, safety protocols, and regulatory changes.
- For engineers in rural counties, online continuing education courses offer a flexible and accessible way to fulfill these requirements without the need to travel long distances.
Staying Updated with Industry Developments
- The field of engineering is continuously evolving, with new technologies, materials, and methods emerging regularly. Continuing education helps engineers stay abreast of these developments, enabling them to apply cutting-edge solutions to their projects.
- Courses on topics such as sustainable engineering practices, advancements in construction technology, and updates to building codes are particularly valuable in ensuring that engineers can meet contemporary challenges effectively.
Enhancing Professional Skills
- Continuing education provides engineers with opportunities to expand their skill sets and expertise. This is particularly beneficial for engineers in counties with fewer professional development resources.
- Specialized courses in areas such as structural analysis, environmental engineering, and project management can help engineers diversify their capabilities and take on more complex and varied projects.
Promoting Professional Growth and Networking
- Participating in continuing education courses and webinars can also facilitate networking opportunities, allowing engineers to connect with peers and industry experts from different regions.
- These connections can lead to collaborative projects, sharing of best practices, and professional growth, which are especially valuable for engineers working in more isolated areas.
Addressing Local Challenges
- Engineers in rural counties often face unique local challenges, such as limited infrastructure, environmental concerns, and resource constraints. Continuing education can provide targeted knowledge and solutions to address these specific issues.
- Courses focused on rural infrastructure development, water resource management, and agricultural engineering can equip engineers with the skills needed to contribute effectively to their communities.
Ensuring Safety and Compliance
- Safety is a paramount concern in all engineering projects. Continuing education ensures that engineers are up-to-date with the latest safety standards and regulations, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
- This is particularly important for engineers in areas with fewer oversight mechanisms, as staying informed through education can help maintain high standards of safety and quality.
Challenges and Solutions
Engineers in counties with fewer professional peers often face unique challenges that can impact their professional growth and effectiveness. These challenges include limited networking opportunities, restricted access to resources, and fewer local professional development events. However, there are several solutions that can help bridge these gaps and ensure that engineers in these regions can maintain high standards of practice.
Challenges:
1 – Limited Networking Opportunities
- Engineers in rural or less populated counties may have fewer chances to connect with other professionals in their field. This can limit their exposure to new ideas, best practices, and collaborative opportunities.
2 – Restricted Access to Resources
- Access to physical resources such as libraries, laboratories, and industry events can be limited in these areas. This makes it harder for engineers to stay updated with the latest industry standards and advancements.
3 – Fewer Local Professional Development Events
- Rural and less populated areas often have fewer in-person professional development events, such as workshops, seminars, and conferences. This can hinder continuous learning and skill enhancement.
Solutions:
Online Continuing Education Courses
- Online courses offer a flexible and accessible way for engineers to meet their continuing education requirements. These courses can be taken from anywhere, allowing engineers to learn at their own pace and convenience.
- Many online platforms offer a wide range of courses covering various engineering disciplines, ensuring that engineers can find relevant and up-to-date content.
Virtual Conferences and Webinars
- Virtual conferences and webinars provide opportunities for engineers to participate in professional development events without the need to travel. These online events can include presentations, panel discussions, and interactive Q&A sessions with industry experts.
- Engineers can benefit from the knowledge shared during these events and can also network with peers and professionals from different regions.
Access to Online Resources
- Engineers can utilize online libraries, journals, and databases to access the latest research, technical papers, and industry publications. Many professional organizations offer members access to valuable online resources.
- Subscription-based services and online forums can also provide engineers with the information and support they need to stay informed and solve technical challenges.
Professional Online Communities
- Joining online communities and forums can help engineers connect with peers, share knowledge, and seek advice on technical issues. These communities often host discussions on various topics, ranging from technical challenges to career development.
- Professional organizations and social media platforms host groups and pages where engineers can engage with industry peers and stay updated on the latest trends and opportunities.
Conclusion
Understanding the distribution of professional engineers across New Jersey, particularly in counties with fewer licensed engineers, highlights the importance of accessible continuing education. Engineers in these regions face unique challenges, such as limited networking opportunities and restricted access to resources.