Occupational licensing · Ohio · burden rank #22 of 51
Ohio Occupational Licensing Requirements
Ohio'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.
Ohio sits mid-pack on licensing burden (#22 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: Texas; Michigan. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Use the named licenses and peers as the next stop.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #22 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 2,028
- Avg initial fee
- $172
Ohio 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.
46 Lower than most more restrictive than 55% 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: Texas; Michigan. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Electrician
In Ohio, Electrician lists 6,054 education hours with an exam and a $143 initial fee. Compare the same license in Texas on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Elevator Installer
In Ohio, Elevator Installer lists 6,054 education hours with an exam and a $204 initial fee. Compare the same license in Texas on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among Ohio's higher initial fees at $400 after 20 education hours. Open Michigan for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Ohio's higher initial fees at $305 after 5,027 education hours. Open Michigan for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Ohio against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Ohio 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 Ohio: 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 (#22 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
Agriculture in Ohio
| OH profession | OH edu hrs | OH exam | OH initial $ | OH renew $ | OH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
Animal Care in Ohio
| OH profession | OH edu hrs | OH exam | OH initial $ | OH renew $ | OH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 5,027 | Yes | $305 | $254 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 2,014 | Yes | $153 | $127 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
Construction in Ohio
| OH profession | OH edu hrs | OH exam | OH initial $ | OH renew $ | OH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Oklahoma.
| 6,054 | Yes | $143 | $115 | 1 yr | vs Nevada · vs Oklahoma |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 6,054 | Yes | $204 | $178 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| - | Yes | $293 | $242 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 4,054 | Yes | $115 | $89 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Oklahoma.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Oklahoma |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 21 | Yes | $115 | $102 | 3 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 6,054 | Yes | $169 | $143 | 1 yr | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
Cosmetology in Ohio
| OH profession | OH edu hrs | OH exam | OH initial $ | OH renew $ | OH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 1,257 | Yes | $99 | $53 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Dakota.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Dakota |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 1,308 | Yes | $112 | $58 | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 623 | Yes | $115 | $89 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 640 | Yes | $97 | $51 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 674 | Yes | $122 | $66 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 432 | Yes | $87 | $46 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
Design in Ohio
| OH profession | OH edu hrs | OH exam | OH initial $ | OH renew $ | OH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| - | Yes | $242 | $191 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
Education in Ohio
| OH profession | OH edu hrs | OH exam | OH initial $ | OH renew $ | OH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 62 | No | $115 | $89 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| - | Yes | $145 | $94 | 5 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Rhode Island.
| - | Yes | $171 | $120 | 5 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Rhode Island |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| - | Yes | $145 | $94 | 5 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
Engineering in Ohio
| OH profession | OH edu hrs | OH exam | OH initial $ | OH renew $ | OH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | Yes | $293 | $242 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
Finance in Ohio
| OH profession | OH edu hrs | OH exam | OH initial $ | OH renew $ | OH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | Yes | $281 | $230 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 51 | Yes | $138 | $112 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 20 | Yes | $400 | $271 | 1 yr | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Rhode Island.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Rhode Island |
Food & Hospitality in Ohio
| OH profession | OH edu hrs | OH exam | OH initial $ | OH renew $ | OH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oregon.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oregon |
Healthcare in Ohio
| OH profession | OH edu hrs | OH exam | OH initial $ | OH renew $ | OH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 3,014 | Yes | $153 | $127 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and South Carolina.
| 3,014 | Yes | $216 | $127 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs South Carolina |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 161 | Yes | $102 | $89 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 1,257 | Yes | $139 | $101 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and South Carolina.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs South Carolina |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 3,514 | Yes | $191 | $165 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Pennsylvania |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 4,514 | Yes | $293 | $242 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 1,611 | Yes | $153 | $127 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 4,770 | Yes | $228 | $203 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 3,514 | Yes | $216 | $191 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 3,770 | Yes | $254 | $228 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 2,159 | Yes | $153 | $127 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
| - | Yes | $178 | $153 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Pennsylvania |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 2,514 | Yes | $165 | $114 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 2,014 | Yes | $153 | $127 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 3,514 | Yes | $216 | $165 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
Legal & Security in Ohio
| OH profession | OH edu hrs | OH exam | OH initial $ | OH renew $ | OH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 45 | No | $141 | $87 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 3,101 | Yes | $230 | $204 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
Mental Health in Ohio
| OH profession | OH edu hrs | OH exam | OH initial $ | OH renew $ | OH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 3,514 | Yes | $165 | $139 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 3,014 | Yes | $158 | $132 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 3,014 | Yes | $191 | $165 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and Tennessee.
| 6,027 | Yes | $305 | $254 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs Tennessee |
Miscellaneous in Ohio
| OH profession | OH edu hrs | OH exam | OH initial $ | OH renew $ | OH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 142 | Yes | $166 | $115 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oregon.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oregon |
Real Estate in Ohio
| OH profession | OH edu hrs | OH exam | OH initial $ | OH renew $ | OH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 122 | Yes | $230 | $178 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Dakota.
| 112 | Yes | $169 | $140 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Dakota |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 168 | Yes | $230 | $191 | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
Transportation in Ohio
| OH profession | OH edu hrs | OH exam | OH initial $ | OH renew $ | OH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 21 | Yes | $87 | $61 | 4 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 242 | Yes | $112 | $61 | 4 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 81 | Yes | $87 | $61 | 4 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
Ohio ranks #22 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Above median) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare Ohio 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 Ohio
NCSL and state-board extracts for Ohio. Burden peers on this ladder include Texas, Michigan; 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 Ohio 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.