Occupational licensing · Missouri · burden rank #31 of 51
Missouri Occupational Licensing Requirements
Missouri'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.
Missouri sits in the low-burden band (#31 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: Tennessee; Minnesota; Wisconsin; Alabama. 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
- #31 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 1,841
- Avg initial fee
- $128
Missouri 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.
53 Around the middle more restrictive than 39% 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: Tennessee; Minnesota; Wisconsin; Alabama. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Psychologist
In Missouri, Psychologist lists 5,676 education hours with an exam and a $235 initial fee. Compare the same license in Tennessee on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Electrician
In Missouri, Electrician lists 5,351 education hours with an exam and a $104 initial fee. Compare the same license in Tennessee on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among Missouri's higher initial fees at $273 after 20 education hours. Open Minnesota for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Missouri's higher initial fees at $235 after 4,676 education hours. Open Minnesota for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Missouri against peer states
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Nationwide jurisdictions with similar burden or fee shape
Two peer sets for Missouri: 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 (#31 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($128 here).
- Wisconsin · avg $127 initial fee
- Alabama · avg $127 initial fee
- Minnesota · avg $132 initial fee
- Mississippi · avg $120 initial fee
Agriculture in Missouri
| MO profession | MO edu hrs | MO exam | MO initial $ | MO renew $ | MO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
Animal Care in Missouri
| MO profession | MO edu hrs | MO exam | MO initial $ | MO renew $ | MO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 4,676 | Yes | $235 | $201 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Nebraska.
| 1,838 | Yes | $118 | $101 | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Nebraska |
Construction in Missouri
| MO profession | MO edu hrs | MO exam | MO initial $ | MO renew $ | MO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 5,351 | Yes | $104 | $84 | 1 yr | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 5,351 | Yes | $151 | $134 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nevada |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $219 | $185 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nevada |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 3,351 | Yes | $84 | $67 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 14 | Yes | $84 | $76 | 3 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 5,351 | Yes | $121 | $104 | 1 yr | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
Cosmetology in Missouri
| MO profession | MO edu hrs | MO exam | MO initial $ | MO renew $ | MO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 1,169 | Yes | $77 | $44 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 1,203 | Yes | $86 | $47 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 451 | Yes | $84 | $67 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 510 | Yes | $72 | $42 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Montana.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Montana |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 556 | Yes | $94 | $54 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 336 | Yes | $66 | $37 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
Design in Missouri
| MO profession | MO edu hrs | MO exam | MO initial $ | MO renew $ | MO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| - | Yes | $185 | $151 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
Education in Missouri
| MO profession | MO edu hrs | MO exam | MO initial $ | MO renew $ | MO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 41 | No | $84 | $67 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| - | Yes | $108 | $74 | 5 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| - | Yes | $125 | $91 | 5 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Mexico.
| - | Yes | $108 | $74 | 5 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Mexico |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs New Hampshire |
Engineering in Missouri
| MO profession | MO edu hrs | MO exam | MO initial $ | MO renew $ | MO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| - | Yes | $219 | $185 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
Finance in Missouri
| MO profession | MO edu hrs | MO exam | MO initial $ | MO renew $ | MO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| - | Yes | $202 | $168 | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 40 | Yes | $98 | $81 | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 20 | Yes | $273 | $189 | 1 yr | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
Food & Hospitality in Missouri
| MO profession | MO edu hrs | MO exam | MO initial $ | MO renew $ | MO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
Healthcare in Missouri
| MO profession | MO edu hrs | MO exam | MO initial $ | MO renew $ | MO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Jersey.
| 2,838 | Yes | $118 | $101 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Jersey |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New York.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New York |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 2,838 | Yes | $168 | $101 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 147 | Yes | $76 | $67 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 1,169 | Yes | $117 | $84 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 3,338 | Yes | $151 | $134 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 4,338 | Yes | $219 | $185 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 1,470 | Yes | $118 | $101 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 4,507 | Yes | $184 | $168 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Jersey.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Jersey |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 3,338 | Yes | $168 | $151 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 3,507 | Yes | $201 | $184 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 2,036 | Yes | $118 | $101 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| - | Yes | $134 | $118 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Nebraska.
| 2,338 | Yes | $134 | $92 | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Nebraska |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 1,838 | Yes | $118 | $101 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New York.
| 3,338 | Yes | $168 | $134 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New York |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
Legal & Security in Missouri
| MO profession | MO edu hrs | MO exam | MO initial $ | MO renew $ | MO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 32 | No | $101 | $64 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 2,054 | Yes | $168 | $151 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
Mental Health in Missouri
| MO profession | MO edu hrs | MO exam | MO initial $ | MO renew $ | MO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 3,338 | Yes | $134 | $117 | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 2,838 | Yes | $124 | $107 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 2,838 | Yes | $151 | $134 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 5,676 | Yes | $235 | $201 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
Miscellaneous in Missouri
| MO profession | MO edu hrs | MO exam | MO initial $ | MO renew $ | MO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 121 | Yes | $118 | $84 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
Real Estate in Missouri
| MO profession | MO edu hrs | MO exam | MO initial $ | MO renew $ | MO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Montana.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Montana |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 87 | Yes | $121 | $103 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 131 | Yes | $168 | $143 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
Transportation in Missouri
| MO profession | MO edu hrs | MO exam | MO initial $ | MO renew $ | MO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
| 14 | Yes | $64 | $47 | 4 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs New Hampshire |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 214 | Yes | $81 | $47 | 4 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 67 | Yes | $64 | $47 | 4 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Mexico.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Mexico |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
Missouri ranks #31 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Below median) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare Missouri 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 Missouri
NCSL and state-board extracts for Missouri. Burden peers on this ladder include Tennessee, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Alabama; 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 Missouri 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.