Occupational licensing · Texas · burden rank #20 of 51
Texas Occupational Licensing Requirements
Texas'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.
Texas sits mid-pack on licensing burden (#20 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: District of Columbia; Pennsylvania; Delaware; Ohio. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Use the named licenses and peers as the next stop.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #20 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 2,087
- Avg initial fee
- $178
Texas 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 57% 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: District of Columbia; Pennsylvania; Delaware; Ohio. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Electrician
In Texas, Electrician lists 6,108 education hours with an exam and a $146 initial fee. Compare the same license in District of Columbia on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Elevator Installer
In Texas, Elevator Installer lists 6,108 education hours with an exam and a $208 initial fee. Compare the same license in District of Columbia on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among Texas's higher initial fees at $409 after 20 education hours. Open Pennsylvania for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Texas's higher initial fees at $311 after 5,054 education hours. Open Pennsylvania for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Texas against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Texas 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 Texas: 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 (#20 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- Delaware · burden #19/51
- District of Columbia · burden #18/51
- Ohio · burden #22/51
- Pennsylvania · burden #18/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($178 here).
- Delaware · avg $182 initial fee
- Ohio · avg $172 initial fee
- Pennsylvania · avg $187 initial fee
- District of Columbia · avg $188 initial fee
Agriculture in Texas
| TX profession | TX edu hrs | TX exam | TX initial $ | TX renew $ | TX cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Washington.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Washington |
Animal Care in Texas
| TX profession | TX edu hrs | TX exam | TX initial $ | TX renew $ | TX cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Vermont.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Vermont |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 5,054 | Yes | $311 | $258 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 2,027 | Yes | $155 | $129 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
Construction in Texas
| TX profession | TX edu hrs | TX exam | TX initial $ | TX renew $ | TX cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 6,108 | Yes | $146 | $117 | 1 yr | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 6,108 | Yes | $208 | $182 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| - | Yes | $299 | $246 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and Wisconsin.
| 4,108 | Yes | $117 | $91 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs Wisconsin |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Utah.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Utah |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 21 | Yes | $117 | $104 | 3 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 6,108 | Yes | $172 | $146 | 1 yr | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and Wisconsin.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs Wisconsin |
Cosmetology in Texas
| TX profession | TX edu hrs | TX exam | TX initial $ | TX renew $ | TX cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 1,264 | Yes | $101 | $54 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 1,316 | Yes | $114 | $59 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 636 | Yes | $117 | $91 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 650 | Yes | $99 | $51 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Utah.
| 683 | Yes | $124 | $67 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Utah |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 440 | Yes | $88 | $46 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
Design in Texas
| TX profession | TX edu hrs | TX exam | TX initial $ | TX renew $ | TX cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $208 | $155 | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| - | Yes | $246 | $194 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
Education in Texas
| TX profession | TX edu hrs | TX exam | TX initial $ | TX renew $ | TX cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 63 | No | $117 | $91 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| - | Yes | $148 | $96 | 5 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| - | Yes | $175 | $122 | 5 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | Yes | $148 | $96 | 5 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
Engineering in Texas
| TX profession | TX edu hrs | TX exam | TX initial $ | TX renew $ | TX cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and West Virginia.
| - | Yes | $299 | $246 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs West Virginia |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
Finance in Texas
| TX profession | TX edu hrs | TX exam | TX initial $ | TX renew $ | TX cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Washington.
| - | Yes | $287 | $234 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Washington |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 52 | Yes | $141 | $115 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 20 | Yes | $409 | $278 | 1 yr | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
Food & Hospitality in Texas
| TX profession | TX edu hrs | TX exam | TX initial $ | TX renew $ | TX cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
Healthcare in Texas
| TX profession | TX edu hrs | TX exam | TX initial $ | TX renew $ | TX cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 3,027 | Yes | $155 | $129 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 3,027 | Yes | $220 | $129 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Virginia.
| 162 | Yes | $104 | $91 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Virginia |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 1,264 | Yes | $141 | $103 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Virginia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Virginia |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 3,527 | Yes | $194 | $167 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 4,527 | Yes | $299 | $246 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 1,622 | Yes | $155 | $129 | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 4,791 | Yes | $232 | $205 | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and West Virginia.
| 3,527 | Yes | $220 | $194 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs West Virginia |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 3,791 | Yes | $258 | $232 | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 2,169 | Yes | $155 | $129 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| - | Yes | $182 | $155 | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 2,527 | Yes | $167 | $116 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 2,027 | Yes | $155 | $129 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 3,527 | Yes | $220 | $167 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
Legal & Security in Texas
| TX profession | TX edu hrs | TX exam | TX initial $ | TX renew $ | TX cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 46 | No | $144 | $89 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 3,181 | Yes | $234 | $208 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
Mental Health in Texas
| TX profession | TX edu hrs | TX exam | TX initial $ | TX renew $ | TX cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wyoming.
| 3,527 | Yes | $167 | $141 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wyoming |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 3,027 | Yes | $160 | $134 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 3,027 | Yes | $194 | $167 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 6,054 | Yes | $311 | $258 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
Miscellaneous in Texas
| TX profession | TX edu hrs | TX exam | TX initial $ | TX renew $ | TX cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 143 | Yes | $170 | $117 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wyoming.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wyoming |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
Real Estate in Texas
| TX profession | TX edu hrs | TX exam | TX initial $ | TX renew $ | TX cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 124 | Yes | $234 | $182 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 114 | Yes | $172 | $143 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 171 | Yes | $234 | $195 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
Transportation in Texas
| TX profession | TX edu hrs | TX exam | TX initial $ | TX renew $ | TX cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 21 | Yes | $89 | $62 | 4 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Vermont.
| 244 | Yes | $115 | $62 | 4 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Vermont |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 82 | Yes | $89 | $62 | 4 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related for Texas
NCSL and state-board extracts for Texas. Burden peers on this ladder include District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Ohio; verify current rules with the named boards before applying.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the August 2026 PlainCredential state file 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 Texas 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.