Occupational licensing · Louisiana · burden rank #11 of 51
Louisiana Occupational Licensing Requirements
Louisiana's licensing burden varies by profession. This registry brings together education hours, initial and renewal fees, exams, background checks and reciprocity notes for 97 professions. Its source trail records the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) compilation and responsible boards. Use the table to compare occupations, then verify the current rule with the responsible state board before applying.
Louisiana sits mid-pack on licensing burden (#11 of 51). Highest education-hour licenses here: Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber; Psychologist. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: New Mexico; Montana; Connecticut; Rhode Island. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Use the named licenses and peers as the next stop.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #11 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 2,305
- Avg initial fee
- $228
Louisiana vs all states by licensing burden score
Where this state's Institute for Justice License to Work composite sits among every state and D.C. Lower score = heavier documented barriers.
38 Among the heaviest more restrictive than 76% of 51 states
States and D.C., banded by IJ License to Work composite burden score (low = heavy)
Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more states. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count and share, and where it sits relative to this entry.
Source Institute for Justice License to Work · 2026
Highest education-hour licenses here: Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber; Psychologist. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: New Mexico; Montana; Connecticut; Rhode Island. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Electrician
In Louisiana, Electrician lists 6,919 education hours with an exam and a $191 initial fee. Compare the same license in New Mexico on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Elevator Installer
In Louisiana, Elevator Installer lists 6,919 education hours with an exam and a $269 initial fee. Compare the same license in New Mexico on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among Louisiana's higher initial fees at $555 after 20 education hours. Open Montana for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Louisiana's higher initial fees at $392 after 5,459 education hours. Open Montana for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Louisiana against peer states
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Nationwide jurisdictions with similar burden or fee shape
Two peer sets for Louisiana: IJ composite burden rank and average confirmed initial license fee, distinct from the inline burden neighbors above.
Similar licensing burden rank
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by Institute for Justice composite burden (#11 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- Connecticut · burden #12/51
- Montana · burden #10/51
- Rhode Island · burden #12/51
- Maryland · burden #13/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($228 here).
- Rhode Island · avg $229 initial fee
- Montana · avg $230 initial fee
- Hawaii · avg $237 initial fee
- New Mexico · avg $237 initial fee
Agriculture in Louisiana
| LA profession | LA edu hrs | LA exam | LA initial $ | LA renew $ | LA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
Animal Care in Louisiana
| LA profession | LA edu hrs | LA exam | LA initial $ | LA renew $ | LA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 5,459 | Yes | $392 | $319 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 2,230 | Yes | $196 | $159 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
Construction in Louisiana
| LA profession | LA edu hrs | LA exam | LA initial $ | LA renew $ | LA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 6,919 | Yes | $191 | $153 | 1 yr | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Massachusetts.
| 6,919 | Yes | $269 | $232 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Massachusetts |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | Yes | $385 | $312 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 4,919 | Yes | $153 | $116 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Massachusetts.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Massachusetts |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 29 | Yes | $153 | $134 | 3 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 6,919 | Yes | $227 | $191 | 1 yr | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Minnesota.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Minnesota |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
Cosmetology in Louisiana
| LA profession | LA edu hrs | LA exam | LA initial $ | LA renew $ | LA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 1,365 | Yes | $126 | $65 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 1,438 | Yes | $144 | $72 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 835 | Yes | $153 | $116 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Minnesota.
| 800 | Yes | $127 | $61 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Minnesota |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 819 | Yes | $157 | $81 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 551 | Yes | $113 | $56 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
Design in Louisiana
| LA profession | LA edu hrs | LA exam | LA initial $ | LA renew $ | LA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| - | Yes | $269 | $196 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| - | Yes | $312 | $239 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
Education in Louisiana
| LA profession | LA edu hrs | LA exam | LA initial $ | LA renew $ | LA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 88 | No | $153 | $116 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Maine.
| - | Yes | $192 | $119 | 5 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Maine |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| - | Yes | $228 | $155 | 5 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| - | Yes | $192 | $119 | 5 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
Engineering in Louisiana
| LA profession | LA edu hrs | LA exam | LA initial $ | LA renew $ | LA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| - | Yes | $385 | $312 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
Finance in Louisiana
| LA profession | LA edu hrs | LA exam | LA initial $ | LA renew $ | LA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| - | Yes | $378 | $305 | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 64 | Yes | $188 | $151 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 20 | Yes | $555 | $373 | 1 yr | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
Food & Hospitality in Louisiana
| LA profession | LA edu hrs | LA exam | LA initial $ | LA renew $ | LA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 12 | Yes | $55 | $36 | 3 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
Healthcare in Louisiana
| LA profession | LA edu hrs | LA exam | LA initial $ | LA renew $ | LA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 3,230 | Yes | $196 | $159 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 3,230 | Yes | $276 | $159 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 178 | Yes | $134 | $116 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Missouri.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Missouri |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 1,365 | Yes | $166 | $123 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maryland.
| 3,730 | Yes | $239 | $203 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maryland |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 4,730 | Yes | $385 | $312 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 1,784 | Yes | $196 | $159 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 5,095 | Yes | $282 | $246 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 3,730 | Yes | $276 | $239 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 4,095 | Yes | $319 | $282 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 2,311 | Yes | $196 | $159 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | Yes | $232 | $196 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 2,730 | Yes | $203 | $141 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Missouri.
| 2,230 | Yes | $196 | $159 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Missouri |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 3,730 | Yes | $276 | $203 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
Legal & Security in Louisiana
| LA profession | LA edu hrs | LA exam | LA initial $ | LA renew $ | LA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Mississippi.
| 61 | No | $189 | $115 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Mississippi |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Mississippi.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Mississippi |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 4,389 | Yes | $305 | $269 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
Mental Health in Louisiana
| LA profession | LA edu hrs | LA exam | LA initial $ | LA renew $ | LA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 3,730 | Yes | $203 | $166 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Michigan.
| 3,230 | Yes | $199 | $162 | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Michigan |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 3,230 | Yes | $239 | $203 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 6,459 | Yes | $392 | $319 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
Miscellaneous in Louisiana
| LA profession | LA edu hrs | LA exam | LA initial $ | LA renew $ | LA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Michigan.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Michigan |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maryland.
| 168 | Yes | $226 | $153 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maryland |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
Real Estate in Louisiana
| LA profession | LA edu hrs | LA exam | LA initial $ | LA renew $ | LA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 157 | Yes | $305 | $232 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 142 | Yes | $227 | $187 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 213 | Yes | $305 | $251 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
Transportation in Louisiana
| LA profession | LA edu hrs | LA exam | LA initial $ | LA renew $ | LA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 29 | Yes | $115 | $78 | 4 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 277 | Yes | $151 | $78 | 4 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 98 | Yes | $115 | $78 | 4 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Maine.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Maine |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related for Louisiana
NCSL and state-board extracts for Louisiana. Burden peers on this ladder include New Mexico, Montana, Connecticut, Rhode Island; verify current rules with the named boards before applying.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the August 2026 PlainCredential state file aggregates 4,947 licensing requirement records; see the methodology.
Every figure on PlainCredential is rendered directly from NCSL and state occupational- licensing board data, no number is typed in by an editor. Figures for Louisiana render from NCSL and state licensing board rows; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.