Occupational licensing · Washington · burden rank #7 of 51
Washington Occupational Licensing Requirements
Washington'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.
Washington sits in the high-burden band (#7 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: Colorado; Arizona; Hawaii; New Mexico. 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
- #7 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 2,443
- Avg initial fee
- $247
Washington 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.
35 Among the heaviest more restrictive than 86% 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: Colorado; Arizona; Hawaii; New Mexico. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Electrician
In Washington, Electrician lists 7,243 education hours with an exam and a $208 initial fee. Compare the same license in Colorado on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Elevator Installer
In Washington, Elevator Installer lists 7,243 education hours with an exam and a $293 initial fee. Compare the same license in Colorado on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among Washington's higher initial fees at $614 after 20 education hours. Open Arizona for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Washington's higher initial fees at $424 after 5,622 education hours. Open Arizona for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Washington against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Washington 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 Washington: 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 (#7 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- Arizona · burden #6/51
- Hawaii · burden #8/51
- Colorado · burden #5/51
- New Mexico · burden #9/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($247 here).
- Arizona · avg $252 initial fee
- Colorado · avg $254 initial fee
- New Mexico · avg $237 initial fee
- Hawaii · avg $237 initial fee
Agriculture in Washington
| WA profession | WA edu hrs | WA exam | WA initial $ | WA renew $ | WA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
Animal Care in Washington
| WA profession | WA edu hrs | WA exam | WA initial $ | WA renew $ | WA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alaska.
| 5,622 | Yes | $424 | $343 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alaska |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 2,311 | Yes | $212 | $172 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
Construction in Washington
| WA profession | WA edu hrs | WA exam | WA initial $ | WA renew $ | WA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 7,243 | Yes | $208 | $167 | 1 yr | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 7,243 | Yes | $293 | $253 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| - | Yes | $420 | $339 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 5,243 | Yes | $167 | $126 | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 32 | Yes | $167 | $147 | 3 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 7,243 | Yes | $249 | $208 | 1 yr | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Arizona.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Arizona |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
Cosmetology in Washington
| WA profession | WA edu hrs | WA exam | WA initial $ | WA renew $ | WA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 1,405 | Yes | $136 | $70 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and West Virginia.
| 1,486 | Yes | $157 | $78 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs West Virginia |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Arizona.
| 915 | Yes | $167 | $126 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Arizona |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 860 | Yes | $139 | $66 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 873 | Yes | $170 | $87 | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 596 | Yes | $122 | $61 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Alabama.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Alabama |
Design in Washington
| WA profession | WA edu hrs | WA exam | WA initial $ | WA renew $ | WA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| - | Yes | $293 | $212 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| - | Yes | $339 | $257 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
Education in Washington
| WA profession | WA edu hrs | WA exam | WA initial $ | WA renew $ | WA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and Wisconsin.
| 97 | No | $167 | $126 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs Wisconsin |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| - | Yes | $209 | $128 | 5 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| - | Yes | $250 | $169 | 5 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arkansas.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arkansas |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| - | Yes | $209 | $128 | 5 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
Engineering in Washington
| WA profession | WA edu hrs | WA exam | WA initial $ | WA renew $ | WA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| - | Yes | $420 | $339 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
Finance in Washington
| WA profession | WA edu hrs | WA exam | WA initial $ | WA renew $ | WA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| - | Yes | $415 | $334 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and Wisconsin.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs Wisconsin |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 69 | Yes | $206 | $166 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 20 | Yes | $614 | $411 | 1 yr | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
Food & Hospitality in Washington
| WA profession | WA edu hrs | WA exam | WA initial $ | WA renew $ | WA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 13 | Yes | $41 | $32 | 3 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
Healthcare in Washington
| WA profession | WA edu hrs | WA exam | WA initial $ | WA renew $ | WA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 3,311 | Yes | $212 | $172 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 3,311 | Yes | $298 | $172 | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and West Virginia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs West Virginia |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 185 | Yes | $147 | $126 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 1,405 | Yes | $176 | $131 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 3,811 | Yes | $257 | $217 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 4,811 | Yes | $420 | $339 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 1,849 | Yes | $212 | $172 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wyoming.
| 5,216 | Yes | $303 | $262 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wyoming |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wyoming.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wyoming |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 3,811 | Yes | $298 | $257 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 4,216 | Yes | $343 | $303 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 2,368 | Yes | $212 | $172 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $253 | $212 | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 2,811 | Yes | $217 | $151 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 2,311 | Yes | $212 | $172 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 3,811 | Yes | $298 | $217 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
Legal & Security in Washington
| WA profession | WA edu hrs | WA exam | WA initial $ | WA renew $ | WA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 66 | No | $207 | $125 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 4,872 | Yes | $334 | $293 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
Mental Health in Washington
| WA profession | WA edu hrs | WA exam | WA initial $ | WA renew $ | WA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 3,811 | Yes | $217 | $176 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 3,311 | Yes | $214 | $174 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 3,311 | Yes | $257 | $217 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 6,622 | Yes | $424 | $343 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
Miscellaneous in Washington
| WA profession | WA edu hrs | WA exam | WA initial $ | WA renew $ | WA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
Real Estate in Washington
| WA profession | WA edu hrs | WA exam | WA initial $ | WA renew $ | WA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 170 | Yes | $334 | $253 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 154 | Yes | $249 | $204 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Alabama.
| 230 | Yes | $334 | $273 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Alabama |
Transportation in Washington
| WA profession | WA edu hrs | WA exam | WA initial $ | WA renew $ | WA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 32 | Yes | $125 | $85 | 4 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 290 | Yes | $166 | $85 | 4 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arkansas.
| 105 | Yes | $125 | $85 | 4 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arkansas |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
Washington ranks #7 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Top quartile, highest) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare Washington 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 Washington
NCSL and state-board extracts for Washington. Burden peers on this ladder include Colorado, Arizona, Hawaii, New Mexico; 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 Washington 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.