Occupational licensing · Mississippi · burden rank #34 of 51
Mississippi Occupational Licensing Requirements
Mississippi'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.
Mississippi sits in the low-burden band (#34 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: Wisconsin; Alabama; Utah; West Virginia. 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
- #34 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 1,763
- Avg initial fee
- $120
Mississippi 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.
54 Around the middle more restrictive than 33% 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: Wisconsin; Alabama; Utah; West Virginia. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Psychologist
In Mississippi, Psychologist lists 5,595 education hours with an exam and a $219 initial fee. Compare the same license in Wisconsin on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Electrician
In Mississippi, Electrician lists 5,189 education hours with an exam and a $95 initial fee. Compare the same license in Wisconsin on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among Mississippi's higher initial fees at $244 after 20 education hours. Open Alabama for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Mississippi's higher initial fees at $219 after 4,595 education hours. Open Alabama for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Mississippi against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Mississippi 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 Mississippi: 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 (#34 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- Utah · burden #34/51
- West Virginia · burden #34/51
- Alabama · burden #33/51
- Kentucky · burden #35/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($120 here).
- Utah · avg $118 initial fee
- West Virginia · avg $118 initial fee
- Kentucky · avg $114 initial fee
- Alabama · avg $127 initial fee
Agriculture in Mississippi
| MS profession | MS edu hrs | MS exam | MS initial $ | MS renew $ | MS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
Animal Care in Mississippi
| MS profession | MS edu hrs | MS exam | MS initial $ | MS renew $ | MS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 4,595 | Yes | $219 | $189 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Mexico.
| 1,797 | Yes | $109 | $95 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Mexico |
Construction in Mississippi
| MS profession | MS edu hrs | MS exam | MS initial $ | MS renew $ | MS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 5,189 | Yes | $95 | $77 | 1 yr | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 5,189 | Yes | $139 | $124 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| - | Yes | $201 | $172 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Nebraska.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Nebraska |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Missouri.
| 3,189 | Yes | $77 | $62 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Missouri |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 12 | Yes | $77 | $70 | 3 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 5,189 | Yes | $110 | $95 | 1 yr | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Missouri.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Missouri |
Cosmetology in Mississippi
| MS profession | MS edu hrs | MS exam | MS initial $ | MS renew $ | MS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Nebraska.
| 1,149 | Yes | $72 | $41 | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Nebraska |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 1,178 | Yes | $80 | $44 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 411 | Yes | $77 | $62 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 480 | Yes | $67 | $40 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Jersey.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Jersey |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 529 | Yes | $88 | $51 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 314 | Yes | $61 | $35 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
Design in Mississippi
| MS profession | MS edu hrs | MS exam | MS initial $ | MS renew $ | MS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| - | Yes | $172 | $142 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
Education in Mississippi
| MS profession | MS edu hrs | MS exam | MS initial $ | MS renew $ | MS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 36 | No | $77 | $62 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| - | Yes | $99 | $69 | 5 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| - | Yes | $114 | $84 | 5 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| - | Yes | $99 | $69 | 5 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
Engineering in Mississippi
| MS profession | MS edu hrs | MS exam | MS initial $ | MS renew $ | MS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| - | Yes | $201 | $172 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
Finance in Mississippi
| MS profession | MS edu hrs | MS exam | MS initial $ | MS renew $ | MS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| - | Yes | $184 | $154 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 38 | Yes | $88 | $74 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 20 | Yes | $244 | $170 | 1 yr | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
Food & Hospitality in Mississippi
| MS profession | MS edu hrs | MS exam | MS initial $ | MS renew $ | MS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 5 | Yes | $22 | $15 | 3 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
Healthcare in Mississippi
| MS profession | MS edu hrs | MS exam | MS initial $ | MS renew $ | MS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 2,797 | Yes | $109 | $95 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 2,797 | Yes | $157 | $95 | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 144 | Yes | $70 | $62 | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 1,149 | Yes | $112 | $80 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 3,297 | Yes | $142 | $127 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
| 4,297 | Yes | $201 | $172 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs New Hampshire |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 1,438 | Yes | $109 | $95 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 4,446 | Yes | $174 | $159 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 3,297 | Yes | $157 | $142 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 3,446 | Yes | $189 | $174 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 2,008 | Yes | $109 | $95 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| - | Yes | $124 | $109 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Mexico.
| 2,297 | Yes | $127 | $87 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Mexico |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 1,797 | Yes | $109 | $95 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 3,297 | Yes | $157 | $127 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs New Hampshire |
Legal & Security in Mississippi
| MS profession | MS edu hrs | MS exam | MS initial $ | MS renew $ | MS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 29 | No | $92 | $59 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nevada |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nevada.
| 1,812 | Yes | $154 | $139 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nevada |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 12 | No | $92 | $77 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
Mental Health in Mississippi
| MS profession | MS edu hrs | MS exam | MS initial $ | MS renew $ | MS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Montana.
| 3,297 | Yes | $127 | $112 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Montana |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 2,797 | Yes | $116 | $102 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 2,797 | Yes | $142 | $127 | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 5,595 | Yes | $219 | $189 | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
Miscellaneous in Mississippi
| MS profession | MS edu hrs | MS exam | MS initial $ | MS renew $ | MS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 116 | Yes | $107 | $77 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Montana.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Montana |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
Real Estate in Mississippi
| MS profession | MS edu hrs | MS exam | MS initial $ | MS renew $ | MS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Jersey.
| 88 | Yes | $154 | $124 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Jersey |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 82 | Yes | $110 | $94 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 122 | Yes | $154 | $132 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
Transportation in Mississippi
| MS profession | MS edu hrs | MS exam | MS initial $ | MS renew $ | MS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 12 | Yes | $59 | $44 | 4 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 208 | Yes | $74 | $44 | 4 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 64 | Yes | $59 | $44 | 4 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
Mississippi ranks #34 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Below median) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare Mississippi 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 Mississippi
NCSL and state-board extracts for Mississippi. Burden peers on this ladder include Wisconsin, Alabama, Utah, West Virginia; 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 Mississippi 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.