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FE Exam ROI Calculator

Calculate the return on investment of passing the FE exam and earning your PE license. See how quickly the investment pays for itself.

Your Inputs

$70,000
$50,000$150,000
$1,500
$500$5,000

Includes NCEES fee (~$175), state board fees, study materials, and prep courses

15 years
5 years30 years
15%
10%30%

Total Investment

$1,500

Annual Increase

$10,500

Breakeven

2 months

15-Year ROI

10,400%

Cumulative Earnings Over 15 Years

With a 15% raise from your PE license, you earn an extra $157,500 over 15 years on a $1,500 investment.

Year 1Year 15

Year-by-Year Projection

YearAnnual RaiseCumulative BenefitNet Gain
Year 1$10,500$10,500+$9,000
Year 2$10,500$21,000+$19,500
Year 3$10,500$31,500+$30,000
Year 4$10,500$42,000+$40,500
Year 5$10,500$52,500+$51,000
Year 6$10,500$63,000+$61,500
Year 7$10,500$73,500+$72,000
Year 8$10,500$84,000+$82,500
Year 9$10,500$94,500+$93,000
Year 10$10,500$105,000+$103,500
Year 11$10,500$115,500+$114,000
Year 12$10,500$126,000+$124,500
Year 13$10,500$136,500+$135,000
Year 14$10,500$147,000+$145,500
Year 15$10,500$157,500+$156,000

Note: This calculator provides estimates only. Actual salary increases depend on your employer, industry, location, and negotiation. The FE exam is the required first step toward earning your PE license, which typically leads to significant salary increases and career advancement.

Make the Investment in Your Future

With a breakeven of just 2 months, the FE exam is one of the best career investments you can make.

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