- Auctioneers? Who knew...
State licensing rules cover many jobs outside medicine, law and the building trades, and some of them look like ordinary work. Nearly one in four full-time workers in the United States holds a license or certification of some kind. The seven careers below each require a government-issued license, which usually means training, an exam and a fee before anyone can work legally.
1. Pest Control Technician
Anyone who applies pest control chemicals as a job has to be licensed in every state, which makes it one of the most consistent rules on this list. The products involved need careful handling around people and pets, so states want proof that applicators know how to use them safely, usually through training and an exam.
2. Hairstylist
Cutting hair for pay requires a license in every state, and hair school is the usual way to complete the training hours before sitting for the state exam. The exam typically covers sanitation and safety rules along with technique, so passing it shows a stylist can work on clients safely. Required hours vary by state, so it’s worth confirming the number with your state board before enrolling.
3. Auctioneer
Calling an auction for pay requires a license in a good number of states, and the requirements vary widely. Hawaii asks for little more than a small fee, while Tennessee requires two exams, more than two years of education and an apprenticeship, so a licensed auctioneer who moves to another state may need to start over.
4. Interior Designer
Interior design is mostly unregulated, but Florida, Nevada and Louisiana require a license to work unsupervised in commercial spaces. Designers who go that route typically need formal education, work experience and a passing score on a national qualification exam, so the credential takes years of preparation.
5. Painting Contractor
In 28 states, a person who paints the walls of a home or apartment for pay needs a government-issued license. Some of those states, including California, Hawaii and Nevada, also want several years of experience before an applicant can qualify for the license, so a trade that looks simple still takes some planning to enter.
6. Funeral Director
State boards license funeral directors, and most states require at least an associate degree in mortuary science before someone can apply. An apprenticeship of one to three years and a board exam follow, and licenses are often renewed every one to three years after continuing education. Age minimums also differ, with some states setting 18 and others 21.
7. Tattoo Artist
Many states and some cities require tattoo artists to hold a license, and the requirements typically include training in sanitation and bloodborne pathogens. The rules exist mainly to protect clients from infection, and many places also expect an apprenticeship under an experienced artist.
Licensing rules differ by state, so anyone considering one of these careers should look up the requirements from the state board before paying for training. A quick check can confirm which hours, exams and fees apply and whether credits earned elsewhere will count.