Occupational licensing · Massachusetts · burden rank #14 of 51
Massachusetts Occupational Licensing Requirements
Massachusetts'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.
Massachusetts sits mid-pack on licensing burden (#14 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: Connecticut; Rhode Island; Maryland; New Jersey. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Use the named licenses and peers as the next stop.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #14 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 2,156
- Avg initial fee
- $201
Massachusetts 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.
42 Lower than most more restrictive than 69% 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: Connecticut; Rhode Island; Maryland; New Jersey. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Electrician
In Massachusetts, Electrician lists 6,541 education hours with an exam and a $170 initial fee. Compare the same license in Connecticut on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Elevator Installer
In Massachusetts, Elevator Installer lists 6,541 education hours with an exam and a $241 initial fee. Compare the same license in Connecticut on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among Massachusetts's higher initial fees at $487 after 20 education hours. Open Rhode Island for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Massachusetts's higher initial fees at $354 after 5,270 education hours. Open Rhode Island for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Massachusetts against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Massachusetts already selected on state A and a peer jurisdiction on state B.
Opens the live compare tool with both states and the profession already selected. Browse all comparisons.
Nationwide jurisdictions with similar burden or fee shape
Two peer sets for Massachusetts: 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 (#14 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- Florida · burden #15/51
- Maryland · burden #13/51
- New Jersey · burden #13/51
- Connecticut · burden #12/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($201 here).
- Florida · avg $200 initial fee
- New Jersey · avg $204 initial fee
- New York · avg $193 initial fee
- Maryland · avg $211 initial fee
Agriculture in Massachusetts
| MA profession | MA edu hrs | MA exam | MA initial $ | MA renew $ | MA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Mississippi.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Mississippi |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
Animal Care in Massachusetts
| MA profession | MA edu hrs | MA exam | MA initial $ | MA renew $ | MA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Michigan.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Michigan |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 5,270 | Yes | $354 | $291 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 2,135 | Yes | $177 | $145 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
Construction in Massachusetts
| MA profession | MA edu hrs | MA exam | MA initial $ | MA renew $ | MA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 6,541 | Yes | $170 | $136 | 1 yr | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 6,541 | Yes | $241 | $209 | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| - | Yes | $345 | $281 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 4,541 | Yes | $136 | $104 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 25 | Yes | $136 | $120 | 3 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Montana.
| 6,541 | Yes | $201 | $170 | 1 yr | vs Louisiana · vs Montana |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
Cosmetology in Massachusetts
| MA profession | MA edu hrs | MA exam | MA initial $ | MA renew $ | MA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 1,318 | Yes | $114 | $60 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nevada.
| 1,381 | Yes | $130 | $66 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nevada |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 742 | Yes | $136 | $104 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 730 | Yes | $114 | $57 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 756 | Yes | $142 | $74 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 499 | Yes | $101 | $52 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
Design in Massachusetts
| MA profession | MA edu hrs | MA exam | MA initial $ | MA renew $ | MA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Missouri.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Missouri |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| - | Yes | $281 | $218 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
Education in Massachusetts
| MA profession | MA edu hrs | MA exam | MA initial $ | MA renew $ | MA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 76 | No | $136 | $104 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| - | Yes | $172 | $108 | 5 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| - | Yes | $203 | $140 | 5 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $172 | $108 | 5 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
Engineering in Massachusetts
| MA profession | MA edu hrs | MA exam | MA initial $ | MA renew $ | MA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| - | Yes | $345 | $281 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Montana.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Montana |
Finance in Massachusetts
| MA profession | MA edu hrs | MA exam | MA initial $ | MA renew $ | MA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| - | Yes | $336 | $272 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Mississippi.
| 58 | Yes | $166 | $134 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Mississippi |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 20 | Yes | $487 | $329 | 1 yr | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
Food & Hospitality in Massachusetts
| MA profession | MA edu hrs | MA exam | MA initial $ | MA renew $ | MA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Nebraska.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Nebraska |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
Healthcare in Massachusetts
| MA profession | MA edu hrs | MA exam | MA initial $ | MA renew $ | MA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 3,135 | Yes | $177 | $145 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Minnesota.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Minnesota |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 3,135 | Yes | $250 | $145 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nevada.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nevada |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 171 | Yes | $120 | $104 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 1,318 | Yes | $154 | $114 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 3,635 | Yes | $218 | $186 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 4,635 | Yes | $345 | $281 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 1,708 | Yes | $177 | $145 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 4,953 | Yes | $259 | $227 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 3,635 | Yes | $250 | $218 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Missouri.
| 3,953 | Yes | $291 | $259 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Missouri |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Minnesota.
| 2,245 | Yes | $177 | $145 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Minnesota |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | Yes | $209 | $177 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 2,635 | Yes | $186 | $129 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 2,135 | Yes | $177 | $145 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 3,635 | Yes | $250 | $186 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
Legal & Security in Massachusetts
| MA profession | MA edu hrs | MA exam | MA initial $ | MA renew $ | MA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 54 | No | $168 | $103 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 3,825 | Yes | $272 | $241 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Michigan.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Michigan |
Mental Health in Massachusetts
| MA profession | MA edu hrs | MA exam | MA initial $ | MA renew $ | MA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 3,635 | Yes | $186 | $154 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 3,135 | Yes | $181 | $149 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 3,135 | Yes | $218 | $186 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 6,270 | Yes | $354 | $291 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
Miscellaneous in Massachusetts
| MA profession | MA edu hrs | MA exam | MA initial $ | MA renew $ | MA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Nebraska.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Nebraska |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 156 | Yes | $200 | $136 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
Real Estate in Massachusetts
| MA profession | MA edu hrs | MA exam | MA initial $ | MA renew $ | MA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 142 | Yes | $272 | $209 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 129 | Yes | $201 | $167 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 193 | Yes | $272 | $225 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
Transportation in Massachusetts
| MA profession | MA edu hrs | MA exam | MA initial $ | MA renew $ | MA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 25 | Yes | $103 | $71 | 4 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 262 | Yes | $134 | $71 | 4 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 91 | Yes | $103 | $71 | 4 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
Massachusetts ranks #14 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Above median) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare Massachusetts directly against another state, side by side. Compare states
- Before relocating or entering a profession, compare its education hours, fees, and exam requirements across states. Browse all professions
- Check whether your license transfers under an interstate compact before assuming you need to start over. Reciprocity guide
Burden scores are compiled from Institute for Justice License to Work research and NCSL board coverage; always confirm current rules with the licensing board before relying on any single row.
Related for Massachusetts
NCSL and state-board extracts for Massachusetts. Burden peers on this ladder include Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maryland, New Jersey; verify current rules with the named boards before applying.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential state file (current as of May 15, 2026) 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 Massachusetts 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.