License to Work: A National Study of Burdens from Occupational Licensing
Highlights
31 out of 102 moderate-income occupations licensed
16th most burdensome licensing laws
39th most extensively and onerously licensed state
(Last updated April 24, 2012)
Summary
Ohio licenses 31 of the 102 low- to moderate-income occupations studied, fewer than most states, but it imposes substantial burdens on workers wishing to enter those occupations. Ohio has the 16th most burdensome licensing laws, with average requirements of $137 in fees, 341 days and one exam.
In some of the 31 licensed occupations, Ohio has exceptionally high barriers compared to the other states. For example, aspiring commercial HVAC contractors lose five years to experience before getting a license, more than twice the national average. Ohio requires that school bus drivers possess a driver's license for two years prior to working. Thirty-one states have no such requirement, requiring instead tests, fees, a minimum age and in some states a short course or training session. Ohio is one of only five states that require a year or more of training to become an auctioneer. Ohio is also one of only three states to license dietetic technicians and one of seven states to license social and human service assistants. The state requires two years of training to perform both of these jobs.
Some of Ohio's licensure requirements also appear excessive compared to those of other occupations licensed by the state. For example, Ohio requires aspiring emergency medical technicans to undertake only about one month of training. But skin care specialists must complete 140 days, massage therapists 175 days and cosmetologists 350 days, and auctioneers and barbers must train for more than a year.
Ohio could expand its low-income workers' job prospects by reducing or eliminating such burdensome licensing laws.