Occupational licensing · Maine · burden rank #48 of 51
Maine Occupational Licensing Requirements
Maine'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.
Maine sits in the low-burden band (#48 of 51). Highest education-hour licenses here: Psychologist; Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Veterinarian; Psychologist; Physician Assistant; Pharmacist. Nearest burden-rank peers: Wyoming; Vermont; New Hampshire. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Compare a named license or a peer state rather than reading the rank alone.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #48 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 1,576
- Avg initial fee
- $57
Maine 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.
64 Among the freest more restrictive than 2% 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: Psychologist; Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Veterinarian; Psychologist; Physician Assistant; Pharmacist. Nearest burden-rank peers: Wyoming; Vermont; New Hampshire. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Psychologist
In Maine, Psychologist lists 5,054 education hours with an exam and a $111 initial fee. Compare the same license in Wyoming on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Electrician
In Maine, Electrician lists 4,108 education hours with an exam and a $36 initial fee. Compare the same license in Wyoming on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Maine's higher initial fees at $111 after 4,054 education hours. Open Vermont for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Psychologist
Psychologist is among Maine's higher initial fees at $111 after 5,054 education hours. Open Vermont for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Maine against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Maine 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 Maine: 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 (#48 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- New Hampshire · burden #49/51
- Vermont · burden #47/51
- Wyoming · burden #46/51
- South Dakota · burden #45/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($57 here).
- Vermont · avg $60 initial fee
- New Hampshire · avg $50 initial fee
- Wyoming · avg $65 initial fee
- South Dakota · avg $71 initial fee
45 of 97 professions below carry a category estimate mark: their figures are a category average, not yet confirmed with the Maine licensing board. Treat those rows as directional and check the board before relying on them. See the methodology limitations.
Agriculture in Maine
| ME profession | ME edu hrs | ME exam | ME initial $ | ME renew $ | ME cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial) category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Water Well Driller category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
Animal Care in Maine
| ME profession | ME edu hrs | ME exam | ME initial $ | ME renew $ | ME cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Montana.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Montana |
| Farrier / Horseshoer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 4,054 | Yes | $111 | $108 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 1,527 | Yes | $55 | $54 | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
Construction in Maine
| ME profession | ME edu hrs | ME exam | ME initial $ | ME renew $ | ME cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 4,108 | Yes | $36 | $30 | 1 yr | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 4,108 | Yes | $58 | $57 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| - | Yes | $86 | $84 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Glazier category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 2,108 | Yes | $30 | $28 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Land Surveyor category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Locksmith category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Mobile Home Installer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Painter (Contractor) category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Missouri.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Missouri |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Minnesota.
| 1 | Yes | $30 | $29 | 3 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Minnesota |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 4,108 | Yes | $37 | $36 | 1 yr | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Roofer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Security Alarm Installer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Septic System Installer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
Cosmetology in Maine
| ME profession | ME edu hrs | ME exam | ME initial $ | ME renew $ | ME cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 1,014 | Yes | $38 | $26 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Body Piercer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 1,016 | Yes | $39 | $27 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 146 | Yes | $30 | $28 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Esthetician category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Hair Braider category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Minnesota.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Minnesota |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 348 | Yes | $44 | $32 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Nail Technician category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Missouri.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Missouri |
| Tattoo Artist category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
Design in Maine
| ME profession | ME edu hrs | ME exam | ME initial $ | ME renew $ | ME cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| - | Yes | $84 | $81 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
Education in Maine
| ME profession | ME edu hrs | ME exam | ME initial $ | ME renew $ | ME cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 3 | No | $30 | $28 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | Yes | $41 | $38 | 5 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| - | Yes | $42 | $39 | 5 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Massachusetts.
| - | Yes | $41 | $38 | 5 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Massachusetts |
| Substitute Teacher category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
Engineering in Maine
| ME profession | ME edu hrs | ME exam | ME initial $ | ME renew $ | ME cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| - | Yes | $86 | $84 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Professional Geologist category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
Finance in Maine
| ME profession | ME edu hrs | ME exam | ME initial $ | ME renew $ | ME cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | Yes | $62 | $59 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Debt Collector category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 22 | Yes | $26 | $25 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 20 | Yes | $49 | $43 | 1 yr | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Tax Preparer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
Food & Hospitality in Maine
| ME profession | ME edu hrs | ME exam | ME initial $ | ME renew $ | ME cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
Healthcare in Maine
| ME profession | ME edu hrs | ME exam | ME initial $ | ME renew $ | ME cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maryland.
| 2,527 | Yes | $55 | $54 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maryland |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Dental Assistant category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Michigan.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Michigan |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 2,527 | Yes | $82 | $54 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Dietetic Technician category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 122 | Yes | $29 | $28 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Hearing Aid Specialist category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Home Health Aide category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 1,014 | Yes | $78 | $53 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Medical Assistant category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Medical Lab Technician category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 3,027 | Yes | $81 | $80 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Optician (Dispensing) category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 4,027 | Yes | $86 | $84 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 1,222 | Yes | $55 | $54 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 4,041 | Yes | $107 | $105 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Pharmacy Technician category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Phlebotomist category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maryland.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maryland |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 3,027 | Yes | $82 | $81 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 3,041 | Yes | $108 | $107 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 1,819 | Yes | $55 | $54 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| - | Yes | $57 | $55 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 2,027 | Yes | $80 | $53 | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 1,527 | Yes | $55 | $54 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Michigan.
| 3,027 | Yes | $82 | $80 | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Michigan |
| Surgical Technologist category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
Legal & Security in Maine
| ME profession | ME edu hrs | ME exam | ME initial $ | ME renew $ | ME cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 10 | No | $31 | $24 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Notary Public category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 201 | Yes | $59 | $58 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Process Server category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Montana.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Montana |
Mental Health in Maine
| ME profession | ME edu hrs | ME exam | ME initial $ | ME renew $ | ME cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 3,027 | Yes | $80 | $78 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 2,527 | Yes | $65 | $64 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Mississippi.
| 2,527 | Yes | $81 | $80 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Mississippi |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 5,054 | Yes | $111 | $108 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
Miscellaneous in Maine
| ME profession | ME edu hrs | ME exam | ME initial $ | ME renew $ | ME cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Athletic Agent category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 83 | Yes | $32 | $30 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Sign Language Interpreter category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
Real Estate in Maine
| ME profession | ME edu hrs | ME exam | ME initial $ | ME renew $ | ME cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 44 | Yes | $59 | $57 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 44 | Yes | $37 | $36 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 66 | Yes | $59 | $57 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
Transportation in Maine
| ME profession | ME edu hrs | ME exam | ME initial $ | ME renew $ | ME cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 1 | Yes | $24 | $22 | 4 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 164 | Yes | $25 | $22 | 4 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 42 | Yes | $24 | $22 | 4 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Tow Truck Operator category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Massachusetts.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Massachusetts |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
Maine ranks #48 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Bottom 10% lowest) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare Maine 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 Maine
NCSL and state-board extracts for Maine. Burden peers on this ladder include Wyoming, Vermont, New Hampshire; 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 Maine 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.