Occupational licensing · Michigan · burden rank #24 of 51
Michigan Occupational Licensing Requirements
Michigan'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.
Michigan sits mid-pack on licensing burden (#24 of 51). Highest education-hour licenses here: Psychologist; Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Ohio; Georgia; North Carolina. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Use the named licenses and peers as the next stop.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #24 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 2,016
- Avg initial fee
- $163
Michigan 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.
48 Lower than most more restrictive than 53% 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: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Ohio; Georgia; North Carolina. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Psychologist
In Michigan, Psychologist lists 5,946 education hours with an exam and a $289 initial fee. Compare the same license in Ohio on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Electrician
In Michigan, Electrician lists 5,892 education hours with an exam and a $134 initial fee. Compare the same license in Ohio on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among Michigan's higher initial fees at $371 after 20 education hours. Open Georgia for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Michigan's higher initial fees at $289 after 4,946 education hours. Open Georgia for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Michigan against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Michigan 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 Michigan: 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 (#24 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- Georgia · burden #25/51
- North Carolina · burden #26/51
- Ohio · burden #22/51
- Indiana · burden #27/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($163 here).
- Georgia · avg $159 initial fee
- North Carolina · avg $158 initial fee
- Ohio · avg $172 initial fee
- Indiana · avg $152 initial fee
Agriculture in Michigan
| MI profession | MI edu hrs | MI exam | MI initial $ | MI renew $ | MI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
Animal Care in Michigan
| MI profession | MI edu hrs | MI exam | MI initial $ | MI renew $ | MI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 4,946 | Yes | $289 | $242 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 1,973 | Yes | $145 | $121 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
Construction in Michigan
| MI profession | MI edu hrs | MI exam | MI initial $ | MI renew $ | MI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 5,892 | Yes | $134 | $108 | 1 yr | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 5,892 | Yes | $192 | $168 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| - | Yes | $276 | $229 | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 3,892 | Yes | $108 | $84 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs New Hampshire |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Nebraska.
| 19 | Yes | $108 | $96 | 3 yrs | vs Maine · vs Nebraska |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 5,892 | Yes | $158 | $134 | 1 yr | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
Cosmetology in Michigan
| MI profession | MI edu hrs | MI exam | MI initial $ | MI renew $ | MI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 1,236 | Yes | $94 | $51 | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 1,284 | Yes | $106 | $56 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 610 | Yes | $91 | $49 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Nebraska.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Nebraska |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 647 | Yes | $116 | $63 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
| 410 | Yes | $82 | $44 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs New Hampshire |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
Design in Michigan
| MI profession | MI edu hrs | MI exam | MI initial $ | MI renew $ | MI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| - | Yes | $229 | $181 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
Education in Michigan
| MI profession | MI edu hrs | MI exam | MI initial $ | MI renew $ | MI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 57 | No | $108 | $84 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| - | Yes | $137 | $89 | 5 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| - | Yes | $160 | $113 | 5 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Missouri.
| - | Yes | $137 | $89 | 5 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Missouri |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Minnesota.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Minnesota |
Engineering in Michigan
| MI profession | MI edu hrs | MI exam | MI initial $ | MI renew $ | MI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| - | Yes | $276 | $229 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
Finance in Michigan
| MI profession | MI edu hrs | MI exam | MI initial $ | MI renew $ | MI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| - | Yes | $263 | $216 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 48 | Yes | $129 | $105 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 20 | Yes | $371 | $252 | 1 yr | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
Food & Hospitality in Michigan
| MI profession | MI edu hrs | MI exam | MI initial $ | MI renew $ | MI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
Healthcare in Michigan
| MI profession | MI edu hrs | MI exam | MI initial $ | MI renew $ | MI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Mississippi.
| 2,973 | Yes | $145 | $121 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Mississippi |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Montana.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Montana |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 2,973 | Yes | $205 | $121 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 158 | Yes | $96 | $84 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 1,236 | Yes | $134 | $97 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 3,473 | Yes | $181 | $158 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 4,473 | Yes | $276 | $229 | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 1,578 | Yes | $145 | $121 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 4,709 | Yes | $218 | $195 | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Mississippi.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Mississippi |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 3,473 | Yes | $205 | $181 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 3,709 | Yes | $242 | $218 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 2,131 | Yes | $145 | $121 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| - | Yes | $168 | $145 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 2,473 | Yes | $158 | $109 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 1,973 | Yes | $145 | $121 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Montana.
| 3,473 | Yes | $205 | $158 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Montana |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
Legal & Security in Michigan
| MI profession | MI edu hrs | MI exam | MI initial $ | MI renew $ | MI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 42 | No | $131 | $81 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 2,859 | Yes | $216 | $192 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
Mental Health in Michigan
| MI profession | MI edu hrs | MI exam | MI initial $ | MI renew $ | MI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 3,473 | Yes | $158 | $134 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 2,973 | Yes | $150 | $126 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nevada.
| 2,973 | Yes | $181 | $158 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nevada |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 5,946 | Yes | $289 | $242 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
Miscellaneous in Michigan
| MI profession | MI edu hrs | MI exam | MI initial $ | MI renew $ | MI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 137 | Yes | $155 | $108 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
Real Estate in Michigan
| MI profession | MI edu hrs | MI exam | MI initial $ | MI renew $ | MI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 116 | Yes | $216 | $168 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 106 | Yes | $158 | $132 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 159 | Yes | $216 | $180 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
Transportation in Michigan
| MI profession | MI edu hrs | MI exam | MI initial $ | MI renew $ | MI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Minnesota.
| 19 | Yes | $81 | $58 | 4 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Minnesota |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 236 | Yes | $105 | $58 | 4 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 78 | Yes | $81 | $58 | 4 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Missouri.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Missouri |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
Michigan ranks #24 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Above median) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare Michigan 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 Michigan
NCSL and state-board extracts for Michigan. Burden peers on this ladder include Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina; 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 Michigan 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.