Occupational licensing · Wisconsin · burden rank #32 of 51
Wisconsin Occupational Licensing Requirements
Wisconsin'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.
Wisconsin sits in the low-burden band (#32 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: Minnesota; Missouri; Alabama; Mississippi. 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
- #32 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 1,860
- Avg initial fee
- $127
Wisconsin 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.
53 Around the middle more restrictive than 37% 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: Minnesota; Missouri; Alabama; Mississippi. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Psychologist
In Wisconsin, Psychologist lists 5,649 education hours with an exam and a $230 initial fee. Compare the same license in Minnesota on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Electrician
In Wisconsin, Electrician lists 5,297 education hours with an exam and a $101 initial fee. Compare the same license in Minnesota on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among Wisconsin's higher initial fees at $264 after 20 education hours. Open Missouri for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Wisconsin's higher initial fees at $230 after 4,649 education hours. Open Missouri for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Wisconsin against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin: 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 (#32 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- Alabama · burden #33/51
- Missouri · burden #31/51
- Minnesota · burden #30/51
- Mississippi · burden #34/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($127 here).
- Missouri · avg $128 initial fee
- Alabama · avg $127 initial fee
- Minnesota · avg $132 initial fee
- Mississippi · avg $120 initial fee
Agriculture in Wisconsin
| WI profession | WI edu hrs | WI exam | WI initial $ | WI renew $ | WI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alaska.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alaska |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
Animal Care in Wisconsin
| WI profession | WI edu hrs | WI exam | WI initial $ | WI renew $ | WI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wyoming.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wyoming |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 4,649 | Yes | $230 | $197 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 1,824 | Yes | $115 | $99 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
Construction in Wisconsin
| WI profession | WI edu hrs | WI exam | WI initial $ | WI renew $ | WI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 5,297 | Yes | $101 | $82 | 1 yr | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 5,297 | Yes | $147 | $131 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| - | Yes | $213 | $180 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 3,297 | Yes | $82 | $66 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 13 | Yes | $82 | $74 | 3 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arkansas.
| 5,297 | Yes | $118 | $101 | 1 yr | vs Virginia · vs Arkansas |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
Cosmetology in Wisconsin
| WI profession | WI edu hrs | WI exam | WI initial $ | WI renew $ | WI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 1,162 | Yes | $76 | $43 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and Colorado.
| 1,195 | Yes | $84 | $46 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs Colorado |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 500 | Yes | $70 | $41 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 547 | Yes | $92 | $53 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 328 | Yes | $64 | $36 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
Design in Wisconsin
| WI profession | WI edu hrs | WI exam | WI initial $ | WI renew $ | WI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Arizona.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Arizona |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| - | Yes | $180 | $148 | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
Education in Wisconsin
| WI profession | WI edu hrs | WI exam | WI initial $ | WI renew $ | WI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 39 | No | $82 | $66 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| - | Yes | $105 | $72 | 5 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| - | Yes | $121 | $89 | 5 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| - | Yes | $105 | $72 | 5 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
Engineering in Wisconsin
| WI profession | WI edu hrs | WI exam | WI initial $ | WI renew $ | WI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| - | Yes | $213 | $180 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arkansas.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arkansas |
Finance in Wisconsin
| WI profession | WI edu hrs | WI exam | WI initial $ | WI renew $ | WI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| - | Yes | $196 | $164 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alaska.
| 39 | Yes | $95 | $78 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alaska |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 20 | Yes | $264 | $182 | 1 yr | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
Food & Hospitality in Wisconsin
| WI profession | WI edu hrs | WI exam | WI initial $ | WI renew $ | WI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and California.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs California |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 5 | Yes | $16 | $13 | 3 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
Healthcare in Wisconsin
| WI profession | WI edu hrs | WI exam | WI initial $ | WI renew $ | WI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 2,824 | Yes | $115 | $99 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Alabama.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Alabama |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 2,824 | Yes | $164 | $99 | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and Colorado.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs Colorado |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 146 | Yes | $74 | $66 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 1,162 | Yes | $116 | $82 | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 3,324 | Yes | $148 | $132 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 4,324 | Yes | $213 | $180 | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 1,459 | Yes | $115 | $99 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 4,486 | Yes | $181 | $165 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 3,324 | Yes | $164 | $148 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Arizona.
| 3,486 | Yes | $197 | $181 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Arizona |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Alabama.
| 2,027 | Yes | $115 | $99 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Alabama |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| - | Yes | $131 | $115 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 2,324 | Yes | $132 | $91 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 1,824 | Yes | $115 | $99 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 3,324 | Yes | $164 | $132 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
Legal & Security in Wisconsin
| WI profession | WI edu hrs | WI exam | WI initial $ | WI renew $ | WI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 31 | No | $98 | $62 | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 1,973 | Yes | $164 | $147 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wyoming.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wyoming |
Mental Health in Wisconsin
| WI profession | WI edu hrs | WI exam | WI initial $ | WI renew $ | WI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 3,324 | Yes | $132 | $116 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 2,824 | Yes | $122 | $105 | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 2,824 | Yes | $148 | $132 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 5,649 | Yes | $230 | $197 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
Miscellaneous in Wisconsin
| WI profession | WI edu hrs | WI exam | WI initial $ | WI renew $ | WI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and California.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs California |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 119 | Yes | $114 | $82 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
Real Estate in Wisconsin
| WI profession | WI edu hrs | WI exam | WI initial $ | WI renew $ | WI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 92 | Yes | $164 | $131 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 85 | Yes | $118 | $100 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 128 | Yes | $164 | $139 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
Transportation in Wisconsin
| WI profession | WI edu hrs | WI exam | WI initial $ | WI renew $ | WI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 13 | Yes | $62 | $46 | 4 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 212 | Yes | $78 | $46 | 4 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 66 | Yes | $62 | $46 | 4 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
Wisconsin ranks #32 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Below median) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
NCSL and state-board extracts for Wisconsin. Burden peers on this ladder include Minnesota, Missouri, Alabama, Mississippi; 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 Wisconsin 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.