Massachusetts

Massachusetts’ licensing laws for lower-income occupations are the 10th most burdensome, requiring, on average, $309 in fees, 513 days lost to education and experience, and roughly one exam. Massachusetts licenses fewer lower-income occupations than most states—50 of 102—making it the 29th most broadly and onerously licensed state.

Massachusetts licenses some occupations much more onerously than other states, including some that are already among the nation’s most burdened occupations. For example, both of the state’s commercial sheet metal contractor licenses—HVAC and other—require five years (1,825 days) of experience. But the average education and experience requirement across licensed states is 1,215 days for HVAC sheet metal contractors and just 567 days for other sheet metal contractors. These disparities are particularly jarring given that several states do not license these occupations at all.

Massachusetts also imposes burdens on some occupations that seem excessive compared to those for other occupations that may present greater risks to the public. Cosmetologists, for example, must complete 1,000 hours of education and then demonstrate two years of experience (the equivalent of 963 days)—the heaviest education and experience requirements of their type. But Massachusetts deems EMTs able to administer life-saving aid after having demonstrated only 150 hours (about 35 days) of education. To expand opportunity for lower-income workers, Massachusetts should repeal or reduce irrationally heavy licensing burdens, or—if government regulation is necessary—replace them with less restrictive regulatory alternatives.