Occupational licensing · Oregon · burden rank #2 of 51
Oregon Occupational Licensing Requirements
Oregon'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.
Oregon sits in the high-burden band (#2 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: California; Illinois; Nevada. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Open a named profession or a peer state before treating rank as a career verdict.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #2 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 2,561
- Avg initial fee
- $275
Oregon 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.
30 Among the heaviest more restrictive than 96% 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: California; Illinois; Nevada. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Electrician
In Oregon, Electrician lists 7,762 education hours with an exam and a $237 initial fee. Compare the same license in California on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Elevator Installer
In Oregon, Elevator Installer lists 7,762 education hours with an exam and a $332 initial fee. Compare the same license in California on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among Oregon's higher initial fees at $707 after 20 education hours. Open Illinois for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Oregon's higher initial fees at $476 after 5,881 education hours. Open Illinois for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Oregon against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Oregon 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 Oregon: 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 (#2 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- California · burden #1/51
- Illinois · burden #3/51
- Nevada · burden #4/51
- Colorado · burden #5/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($275 here).
- Illinois · avg $273 initial fee
- Nevada · avg $266 initial fee
- California · avg $289 initial fee
- Colorado · avg $254 initial fee
Agriculture in Oregon
| OR profession | OR edu hrs | OR exam | OR initial $ | OR renew $ | OR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Utah.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Utah |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
Animal Care in Oregon
| OR profession | OR edu hrs | OR exam | OR initial $ | OR renew $ | OR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 5,881 | Yes | $476 | $382 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 2,441 | Yes | $238 | $191 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
Construction in Oregon
| OR profession | OR edu hrs | OR exam | OR initial $ | OR renew $ | OR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 7,762 | Yes | $237 | $190 | 1 yr | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Rhode Island.
| 7,762 | Yes | $332 | $285 | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Rhode Island |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| - | Yes | $475 | $381 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 5,762 | Yes | $190 | $143 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Rhode Island.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Rhode Island |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 38 | Yes | $190 | $166 | 3 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 7,762 | Yes | $284 | $237 | 1 yr | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Dakota.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Dakota |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
Cosmetology in Oregon
| OR profession | OR edu hrs | OR exam | OR initial $ | OR renew $ | OR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 1,470 | Yes | $153 | $77 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 1,564 | Yes | $176 | $86 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Dakota.
| 956 | Yes | $157 | $72 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Dakota |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 960 | Yes | $190 | $96 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 667 | Yes | $138 | $67 | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
Design in Oregon
| OR profession | OR edu hrs | OR exam | OR initial $ | OR renew $ | OR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| - | Yes | $381 | $287 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
Education in Oregon
| OR profession | OR edu hrs | OR exam | OR initial $ | OR renew $ | OR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 113 | No | $190 | $143 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| - | Yes | $237 | $143 | 5 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| - | Yes | $284 | $190 | 5 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| - | Yes | $237 | $143 | 5 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
Engineering in Oregon
| OR profession | OR edu hrs | OR exam | OR initial $ | OR renew $ | OR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| - | Yes | $475 | $381 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
Finance in Oregon
| OR profession | OR edu hrs | OR exam | OR initial $ | OR renew $ | OR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| - | Yes | $473 | $379 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 76 | Yes | $236 | $189 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Utah.
| 20 | Yes | $707 | $472 | 1 yr | vs Oklahoma · vs Utah |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
Food & Hospitality in Oregon
| OR profession | OR edu hrs | OR exam | OR initial $ | OR renew $ | OR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 15 | Yes | $47 | $38 | 3 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
Healthcare in Oregon
| OR profession | OR edu hrs | OR exam | OR initial $ | OR renew $ | OR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 3,441 | Yes | $238 | $191 | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 3,441 | Yes | $334 | $191 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 195 | Yes | $166 | $143 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Texas.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Texas |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 1,470 | Yes | $193 | $144 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
| 3,941 | Yes | $287 | $240 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Pennsylvania |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 4,941 | Yes | $475 | $381 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 1,952 | Yes | $238 | $191 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 5,411 | Yes | $335 | $288 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 3,941 | Yes | $334 | $287 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 4,411 | Yes | $382 | $335 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 2,458 | Yes | $238 | $191 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| - | Yes | $285 | $238 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 2,941 | Yes | $240 | $168 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Texas.
| 2,441 | Yes | $238 | $191 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Texas |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 3,941 | Yes | $334 | $240 | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
Legal & Security in Oregon
| OR profession | OR edu hrs | OR exam | OR initial $ | OR renew $ | OR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and Tennessee.
| 76 | No | $237 | $142 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs Tennessee |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and Tennessee.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs Tennessee |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 5,646 | Yes | $379 | $332 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
Mental Health in Oregon
| OR profession | OR edu hrs | OR exam | OR initial $ | OR renew $ | OR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 3,941 | Yes | $240 | $193 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and South Carolina.
| 3,441 | Yes | $239 | $192 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs South Carolina |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 3,441 | Yes | $287 | $240 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 6,881 | Yes | $476 | $382 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
Miscellaneous in Oregon
| OR profession | OR edu hrs | OR exam | OR initial $ | OR renew $ | OR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and South Carolina.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs South Carolina |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Pennsylvania |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
Real Estate in Oregon
| OR profession | OR edu hrs | OR exam | OR initial $ | OR renew $ | OR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 190 | Yes | $379 | $285 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 172 | Yes | $284 | $232 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 258 | Yes | $379 | $309 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
Transportation in Oregon
| OR profession | OR edu hrs | OR exam | OR initial $ | OR renew $ | OR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 38 | Yes | $142 | $95 | 4 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 310 | Yes | $189 | $95 | 4 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 115 | Yes | $142 | $95 | 4 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
Oregon ranks #2 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Top 10% highest) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare Oregon 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 Oregon
NCSL and state-board extracts for Oregon. Burden peers on this ladder include California, Illinois, Nevada; 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 Oregon 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.