Montana

32 of 102 lower-income occupations licensed
23rd most burdensome licensing laws
49th most broadly and onerously licensed state

Montana is one of the least broadly and onerously licensed states in the nation, ranking 49th out of all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Montana licenses 32 of the 102 lower-income occupations studied here, well below the national average. However, Montana’s laws for the occupations it does license rank as the 23rd most burdensome because they are slightly more arduous than average, requiring $261 in fees, 312 days of education and experience, and an estimated two exams.

Montana imposes more onerous requirements than many other states for some occupations. For example, school bus drivers in Montana must demonstrate roughly 1,825 days (five years) of experience. This is six times higher than the national average of just 300 days.

Montana also imposes burdens on some occupations that seem excessive compared to those for other occupations that may present greater risks to the public. For instance, in Montana, manicurists and massage therapists face more stringent requirements than EMTs. To provide their services, these workers must complete between 93 and 117 days of education. EMTs, on the other hand, can become licensed after completing only around 26 days (110 hours) of education. Montana should reduce or repeal its illogical licensing requirements for manicurists, massage therapists and other lower-income occupations, or—if government regulation is necessary—replace them with less restrictive regulatory alternatives such as inspections or voluntary certification.

Burden Rank Occupation Fees Estimated Calendar Days Lost Education Experience Exams Minimum Grade Minimum Age
1 School Bus Driver $26 1825 - 5 years 6 0 18
2 Midwife, Direct Entry $1400 1295 3 years 10 births 1 12 21
3 Athletic Trainer $475 1460 4 years - 1 0 0
4 Preschool Teacher, Public School $63 1460 4 years - 0 0 0
5 Security Alarm Installer $472 730 - 2 years 1 0 18
6 Fire Alarm Installer $605 730 - 2 years 2 0 0
7 Cosmetologist $254 467 2000 clock hours - 2 12 18
8 Barber $80 350 1500 clock hours - 2 12 18
8 Shampooer $80 350 1500 clock hours - 2 12 18
10 Earth Driller, Water Well $375 365 - 1 years 1 0 0
11 Travel Guide $1950 182 - 100 days and 6 weeks 1 0 18
12 Makeup Artist $254 152 650 clock hours - 2 12 18
12 Skin Care Specialist $254 152 650 clock hours - 2 12 18
14 Crane Operator $100 233 - 1000 clock hours 1 0 18
15 Massage Therapist $335 117 500 clock hours - 1 12 18
16 Manicurist $254 93 400 clock hours - 2 12 18
17 Emergency Medical Technician $130 26 110 clock hours - 2 12 18
18 Pharmacy Technician $189 0 - - 1 12 18
19 Bus Driver, City/Transit $26 0 - - 5 0 18
19 Truck Driver, Tractor-Trailer $26 0 - - 5 0 18
21 Truck Driver, Other $26 0 - - 4 0 18
22 Security Guard, Unarmed $127 0 - - 0 0 18
23 Child Care Home, Family $37 0 - - 0 0 18
24 Pest Control Applicator $55 0 - - 2 0 0
24 Vegetation Pesticide Applicator $55 0 - - 2 0 0
26 Fisher, Commercial $500 0 - - 0 0 0
27 Milk Sampler $5 0 - - 1 0 0
28 Gaming Dealer $102 0 - - 0 0 0
29 Taxidermist $50 0 - - 0 0 0
30 Landscape Contractor (Commercial) $25 0 - - 0 0 0
30 Landscape Contractor (Residential) $25 0 - - 0 0 0
32 Coach, Head (High School Sports) $0 1 4.9 clock hours - 0 0 0