License to Work: A National Study of Burdens from Occupational Licensing
Michigan
Highlights
42 out of 102 moderate-income occupations licensed21st most burdensome licensing laws
26th most extensively and onerously licensed state
(Last updated April 24, 2012)
Summary
Michigan licenses 42 of the 102 low- and middle-income occupations studied. These laws are relatively burdensome, ranking 21st in the country. Applicants for a license in the 42 occupations can anticipate, on average, paying $198 in fees, losing 256 days to education and experience requirements and taking one exam.Michigan is the most difficult place in the country to become a security guard. Applicants must obtain three years of education and experience. The 37 other states that license security guards require 11 days or less, with the exception of North Dakota, which requires 241 days. Licensing requirements far exceed national averages for both security alarm installers, who must obtain four years of training, and fire alarm installers, who must obtain three years. National averages for those occupations are 535 days and 486 days, respectively.
Of the 42 licensed occupations, 15 are licensed in fewer than half of the other states. Occupations that are unlicensed or face lower entry barriers elsewhere are candidates for reform. Other possible reform targets include occupations whose burdens appear overly onerous compared to others with a greater connection to public safety. For instance, barbers are required to obtain almost 18 times as much training as emergency medical technicians; cosmetologists must complete as almost 14 times as much training as EMTs. Reducing or eliminating overly burdensome requirements could open job opportunities in Michigan.
(Last updated May 1, 2012)
Licensing Requirements
| Burden Rank | Occupation | Number of States that License | Fees | Education/Experience (Days) | Exams | Minimum Grade | Minimum Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preschool Teacher | 49 | $125 | 1,825 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2 | Security Alarm Installer | 34 | $200 | 1,460 | 1 | 12 | 25 |
| 3 | Athletic Trainer | 46 | $275 | 1,460 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 4 | Security Guard | 37 | $200 | 1,095 | 0 | 12 | 25 |
| 5 | Fire Alarm Installer | 34 | $200 | 1,095 | 1 | 0 | 20 |
| 6 | HVAC Contractor (General/Commercial) | 40 | $110 | 1,095 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 7 | Earth Driller | 47 | $40 | 730 | 2 | 12 | 18 |
| 8 | Veterinary Technologist | 37 | $235 | 730 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 9 | Barber | 50 | $20 | 467 | 2 | 10 | 17 |
| 10 | Cosmetologist | 51 | $40 | 350 | 2 | 9 | 17 |
| 11 | Skin Care Specialist | 50 | $64 | 93 | 2 | 9 | 17 |
| 11 | Makeup Artist | 36 | $64 | 93 | 2 | 9 | 17 |
| 13 | Manicurist | 50 | $39 | 93 | 2 | 9 | 0 |
| 14 | Bill Collector Agency | 30 | $273 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 18 |
| 15 | Cathodic Protection Tester | 16 | $1,500 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 16 | School Bus Driver | 51 | $70 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 18 |
| 17 | Bus Driver (City/Transit) | 51 | $65 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 18 |
| 18 | Child Care Worker | 33 | $0 | 3 | 0 | 12 | 18 |
| 19 | Truck Driver | 51 | $60 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 18 |
| 20 | Slot Key Person | 21 | $750 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
| 20 | Gaming Supervisor | 23 | $750 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
| 22 | Emergency Medical Technician | 51 | $110 | 26 | 2 | 0 | 18 |
| 23 | Door Repair Contractor | 35 | $235 | 14 | 2 | 0 | 18 |
| 24 | Carpenter/Cabinet Maker (Residential) | 10 | $235 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 18 |
| 24 | Mason Contractor (Residential) | 10 | $235 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 18 |
| 24 | Terrazzo Contractor (Residential) | 8 | $235 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 18 |
| 24 | Insulation Contractor (Residential) | 10 | $235 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 18 |
| 24 | Cement Finishing Contractor (Residential) | 9 | $235 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 18 |
| 24 | Painting Contractor (Residential) | 10 | $235 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 18 |
| 30 | Glazier Contractor (Residential) | 9 | $215 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 18 |
| 30 | Floor Sander Contractor (Residential) | 9 | $215 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 18 |
| 32 | Pest Control Applicator | 51 | $75 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 18 |
| 32 | Vegetation Pesticide Handler | 51 | $75 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 18 |
| 34 | Gaming Dealer | 24 | $200 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
| 34 | Gaming Cage Worker | 22 | $200 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
| 36 | Taxi Driver/Chauffeur | 12 | $35 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 16 |
| 37 | Fisher | 41 | $200 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| 38 | Milk Sampler | 34 | $50 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 39 | Animal Control Officer | 17 | $0 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 40 | Mobile Home Installer | 39 | $150 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 41 | Taxidermist | 26 | $50 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 42 | Animal Breeder | 26 | $18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
(Last updated April 24, 2012)
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