fbpx

Institute for Justice

LTW State Data

Massachusetts

License to Work: A National Study of Burdens from Occupational Licensing

License to Work: A National Study of Burdens from Occupational Licensing

Highlights

37 out of 102 moderate-income occupations licensed
25th most burdensome licensing laws
34th most extensively and onerously licensed state

(Last updated April 24, 2012)

Summary

Though Massachusetts licenses only 37 of the 102 low- and middle-income occupations studied, somewhat fewer than average, its laws are relatively onerous -- the 25th most burdensome in the country. On average, Massachusetts requires license applicants to pay a fee of $181, obtain 293 days of training and education and pass one exam.

Massachussetts imposes significantly more burdensome entry requirements than other states in a number of occupations. For instance, aspiring barbers face one of the lengthiest education and training requirements in the country -- 733 days, or more than two years, compared to a national average of 416 days. Likewise, commercial HVAC contractors and commercial sheet metal contractors must each train for more than three years (1,458 days and 1,225 days, respectively), compared to national averages of 891 and 507 days.

Massachusetts requires that school bus drivers possess a driver's license for three years prior to working. Most states have no such requirement; 22 states require a short course or training session instead, while eight states and the District of Columbia require only tests, fees and a minimum age.

Massachusetts also licenses 12 occupations that fewer than half of the other states license. For instance, Massachusetts is one of just three states that licenses home entertainment installers, one of 10 that licenses residential painting contractors and one of seven that licenses social and human services assistants. Barriers to becoming a social and human services assistant are particularly high -- the state requires a full two years of education before licensure.

Massachusetts could ease the path to employment in the state by reducing -- or doing away with entirely -- such barriers to entry.

Licensing Requirements

Burden RankOccupationNumber of States that LicenseFeesEducation/Experience (Days)ExamsMinimum GradeMinimum Age
1 Preschool Teacher 49 125 1,825 2 0 0
2 Athletic Trainer 46 447 1,460 1 0 0
3 HVAC Contractor (General/Commercial) 40 155 1,458 0 0 0
4 School Bus Driver 51 175 1,099 6 0 18
5 Sheet Metal Contractor (General/Commercial) 28 155 1,225 0 0 0
6 Earth Driller 47 200 1,095 1 0 0
7 Barber 50 103 733 3 0 16
8 Optician 22 54 730 3 0 0
9 Social and Human Service Assistant 7 155 730 1 0 0
10 Massage Therapist 39 225 117 0 12 18
11 Cosmetologist 51 172 233 2 0 0
12 Security Alarm Installer 34 330 0 1 12 0
12 Fire Alarm Installer 34 330 0 1 12 0
14 Bus Driver (City/Transit) 51 165 0 5 0 18
15 Emergency Medical Technician 51 205 26 2 0 18
16 Truck Driver 51 155 0 4 0 18
17 Teacher Assistant 29 45 0 1 12 0
18 Home Entertainment Installer 3 212 0 2 0 18
19 Skin Care Specialist 50 57 70 0 0 16
20 Crane Operator 18 75 0 3 0 18
21 Fisher 41 260 0 0 0 17
22 Auctioneer 33 100 19 1 0 18
23 Vegetation Pesticide Handler 51 100 0 1 0 18
23 Pest Control Applicator 51 100 0 1 0 18
25 Bill Collector Agency 30 300 0 0 0 0
26 Mason Contractor (Residential) 10 250 0 0 0 0
26 Door Repair Contractor 35 250 0 0 0 0
26 Cement Finishing Contractor (Residential) 9 250 0 0 0 0
26 Drywall Installation Contractor (Residential) 9 250 0 0 0 0
26 Iron/Steel Contractor (Residential) 11 250 0 0 0 0
26 Carpenter/Cabinet Maker (Residential) 10 250 0 0 0 0
26 Insulation Contractor (Residential) 10 250 0 0 0 0
26 Painting Contractor (Residential) 10 250 0 0 0 0
26 Glazier Contractor (Residential) 9 250 0 0 0 0
35 Manicurist 50 0 23 2 0 0
36 Animal Breeder 26 28 0 0 0 0
37 Milk Sampler 34 20 0 0 0 0

JOIN THE FIGHT!   Sign up for newsletters:

JOIN THE FIGHT!