Occupational licensing · Maryland · burden rank #13 of 51
Maryland Occupational Licensing Requirements
Maryland'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.
Maryland sits mid-pack on licensing burden (#13 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: Louisiana; Connecticut; Rhode Island; 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
- #13 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 2,233
- Avg initial fee
- $211
Maryland 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.
41 Lower than most more restrictive than 73% 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: Louisiana; Connecticut; Rhode Island; New Jersey. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Electrician
In Maryland, Electrician lists 6,649 education hours with an exam and a $176 initial fee. Compare the same license in Louisiana on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Elevator Installer
In Maryland, Elevator Installer lists 6,649 education hours with an exam and a $249 initial fee. Compare the same license in Louisiana on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among Maryland's higher initial fees at $507 after 20 education hours. Open Connecticut for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Maryland's higher initial fees at $365 after 5,324 education hours. Open Connecticut for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Maryland against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Maryland 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 Maryland: 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 (#13 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- New Jersey · burden #13/51
- Connecticut · burden #12/51
- Massachusetts · burden #14/51
- Rhode Island · burden #12/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($211 here).
- Connecticut · avg $213 initial fee
- New Jersey · avg $204 initial fee
- Massachusetts · avg $201 initial fee
- Florida · avg $200 initial fee
Agriculture in Maryland
| MD profession | MD edu hrs | MD exam | MD initial $ | MD renew $ | MD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Nebraska.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Maine · vs Nebraska |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
Animal Care in Maryland
| MD profession | MD edu hrs | MD exam | MD initial $ | MD renew $ | MD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Missouri.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Missouri |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 5,324 | Yes | $365 | $299 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 2,162 | Yes | $182 | $149 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
Construction in Maryland
| MD profession | MD edu hrs | MD exam | MD initial $ | MD renew $ | MD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 6,649 | Yes | $176 | $141 | 1 yr | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 6,649 | Yes | $249 | $216 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $356 | $290 | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 4,649 | Yes | $141 | $108 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Mississippi.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Mississippi |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Michigan.
| 26 | Yes | $141 | $124 | 3 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Michigan |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 6,649 | Yes | $209 | $176 | 1 yr | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
Cosmetology in Maryland
| MD profession | MD edu hrs | MD exam | MD initial $ | MD renew $ | MD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 1,331 | Yes | $118 | $61 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 1,397 | Yes | $134 | $68 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 769 | Yes | $141 | $108 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 750 | Yes | $118 | $58 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Michigan.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Michigan |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 774 | Yes | $146 | $76 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Mississippi.
| 514 | Yes | $104 | $53 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Mississippi |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
Design in Maryland
| MD profession | MD edu hrs | MD exam | MD initial $ | MD renew $ | MD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $249 | $182 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | Yes | $290 | $224 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
Education in Maryland
| MD profession | MD edu hrs | MD exam | MD initial $ | MD renew $ | MD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 79 | No | $141 | $108 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| - | Yes | $177 | $111 | 5 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| - | Yes | $210 | $144 | 5 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| - | Yes | $177 | $111 | 5 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
Engineering in Maryland
| MD profession | MD edu hrs | MD exam | MD initial $ | MD renew $ | MD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | Yes | $356 | $290 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
Finance in Maryland
| MD profession | MD edu hrs | MD exam | MD initial $ | MD renew $ | MD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| - | Yes | $348 | $282 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Nebraska.
| 60 | Yes | $172 | $139 | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Nebraska |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 20 | Yes | $507 | $341 | 1 yr | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
Food & Hospitality in Maryland
| MD profession | MD edu hrs | MD exam | MD initial $ | MD renew $ | MD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 11 | Yes | $33 | $26 | 3 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
Healthcare in Maryland
| MD profession | MD edu hrs | MD exam | MD initial $ | MD renew $ | MD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 3,162 | Yes | $182 | $149 | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Montana.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Montana |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Massachusetts.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Massachusetts |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 3,162 | Yes | $257 | $149 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 173 | Yes | $124 | $108 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 1,331 | Yes | $158 | $116 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 3,662 | Yes | $224 | $191 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 4,662 | Yes | $356 | $290 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 1,730 | Yes | $182 | $149 | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 4,993 | Yes | $266 | $232 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 3,662 | Yes | $257 | $224 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 3,993 | Yes | $299 | $266 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Montana.
| 2,264 | Yes | $182 | $149 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Montana |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| - | Yes | $216 | $182 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 2,662 | Yes | $191 | $133 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 2,162 | Yes | $182 | $149 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Massachusetts.
| 3,662 | Yes | $257 | $191 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Massachusetts |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
Legal & Security in Maryland
| MD profession | MD edu hrs | MD exam | MD initial $ | MD renew $ | MD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 56 | No | $174 | $106 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 3,986 | Yes | $282 | $249 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Missouri.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Missouri |
Mental Health in Maryland
| MD profession | MD edu hrs | MD exam | MD initial $ | MD renew $ | MD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 3,662 | Yes | $191 | $158 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 3,162 | Yes | $186 | $153 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Minnesota.
| 3,162 | Yes | $224 | $191 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Minnesota |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 6,324 | Yes | $365 | $299 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
Miscellaneous in Maryland
| MD profession | MD edu hrs | MD exam | MD initial $ | MD renew $ | MD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 159 | Yes | $207 | $141 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
Real Estate in Maryland
| MD profession | MD edu hrs | MD exam | MD initial $ | MD renew $ | MD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 146 | Yes | $282 | $216 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 133 | Yes | $209 | $172 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 199 | Yes | $282 | $232 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
Transportation in Maryland
| MD profession | MD edu hrs | MD exam | MD initial $ | MD renew $ | MD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 26 | Yes | $106 | $73 | 4 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 266 | Yes | $139 | $73 | 4 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 93 | Yes | $106 | $73 | 4 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
Maryland ranks #13 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Above median) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare Maryland 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 Maryland
NCSL and state-board extracts for Maryland. Burden peers on this ladder include Louisiana, Connecticut, Rhode Island, 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 Maryland 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.