Institute for Justice
LTW State Data
Connecticut
License to Work: A National Study of Burdens from Occupational Licensing
Highlights
54 out of 102 moderate-income occupations licensed39th most burdensome licensing laws
15th most extensively and onerously licensed state
(Last updated April 24, 2012)
Summary
Connecticut's licensing laws are only the 39th most burdensome in the nation. However, the state licenses so many low- and moderate-income occupations -- 54 of the 102 studied -- that Connecticut ranks as the 15th most broadly and onerously licensed state, placing it firmly within the second tier of states. Of the 54 occupations licensed in Connecticut, 16 are licensed in fewer than half of the other states. On average, those aspiring to Connecticut's licensed occupations must pay $173 in fees, lose 230 days to education and experience requirements and pass one examination prior to receiving a license.Though Connecticut's occupational licensing regime is among the least burdensome in the country, it places above-average education and experience requirements on several occupations. Of the 18 states that license crane operators, for example, 12 do not have an education and experience requirement. Aspiring crane operators in Connecticut, however, must train for two years before receiving a license. Commercial sheet metal workers in Connecticut lose 933 days to education and experience requirements compared to a national average of 507 in that occupation. Of the 28 states that license commercial sheet metal workers, 16 do not have an education and experience requirement at all. Likewise, commercial glaziers lose 1,867 days (over five years) to education and experience requirements compared to a national average of 500 in that occupation.
Further, Connecticut is the only state that licenses conveyor operators and forest workers and one of fewer than 10 to license tree trimmers, home entertainment installers, upholsterers and cross-connection survey inspectors. Only eight states license more occupations than Connecticut. Connecticut could improve its ranking by reducing or eliminating excessive licensing requirements.
