License Requirements in California
Browse all 79 trade and professional licenses in California (CA). 73 require a state-level license.
Last updated 2026-05-08
By the numbers: 73 of 79 trades require a state-level license from a California Department, Board, or licensing Authority. Renewal periods, Continuing Education Hours, and Application Fees vary by trade — see each trade page for the specifics.
| Trade | License Required | Median Salary |
|---|
| 🚨Alarm Installer |
Required |
$67,440 |
| 📏Architect |
Required |
$128,767 |
| ⚠️Asbestos Abatement Worker |
Required |
$66,336 |
| 🔨Auctioneer |
Not Required |
$49,445 |
| 🔗Bail Bondsman |
Required |
$58,429 |
| 💈Barber |
Required |
$42,340 |
| ♨️Boiler Operator |
Required |
$85,836 |
| 🚛CDL Driver |
Required |
$58,670 |
| 📊CPA |
Required |
$94,560 |
| 🏠Chimney Sweep |
Not Required |
$58,898 |
| ✈️Commercial Pilot |
Required |
$185,789 |
| ✂️Cosmetologist |
Required |
$41,230 |
| ⚖️Court Reporter |
Required |
$87,712 |
| 🏗️Crane Operator |
Required |
$83,227 |
| 💥Demolition Contractor |
Required |
$86,112 |
| 🦷Dental Hygienist |
Required |
$108,670 |
| 🚰Drinking Water Operator |
Required |
$73,719 |
| 🚑EMT / Paramedic |
Required |
$56,428 |
| ⚡Electrician |
Required |
$76,400 |
| 🛗Elevator Mechanic |
Required |
$141,339 |
| 🌍Environmental Scientist |
Required |
$108,992 |
| 🧴Esthetician |
Required |
$53,571 |
| 🧯Fire Sprinkler Fitter |
Required |
$88,126 |
| ⚱️Funeral Director |
Required |
$90,362 |
| 🏗️General Contractor |
Required |
$92,450 |
| 🪨Geologist |
Required |
$116,775 |
| 🪟Glazier |
Required |
$66,695 |
| ❄️HVAC Technician |
Required |
$63,450 |
| 👂Hearing Aid Specialist |
Required |
$80,964 |
| 🔍Home Inspector |
Required |
$72,340 |
| 🧱Insulation Worker |
Required |
$67,827 |
| 📋Insurance Agent |
Required |
$72,340 |
| 🗣️Interpreter |
Required |
$78,784 |
| 🗺️Land Surveyor |
Required |
$94,626 |
| 🌿Landscape Contractor |
Required |
$77,031 |
| 🛡️Lead Abatement Worker |
Required |
$63,769 |
| 💉Licensed Practical Nurse |
Required |
$82,427 |
| 🔐Locksmith |
Required |
$62,803 |
| 💆Massage Therapist |
Required |
$68,806 |
| 🦠Mold Remediation |
Not Required |
$64,183 |
| 🏦Mortgage Loan Originator |
Required |
$94,474 |
| 💅Nail Technician |
Required |
$46,782 |
| 📜Notary Public |
Required |
— |
| 👓Optician |
Required |
$61,064 |
| 🐛Pest Control Operator |
Required |
$46,340 |
| 🧪Pesticide Applicator |
Required |
$55,420 |
| 💊Pharmacy Technician |
Required |
$55,613 |
| 🏃Physical Therapy Assistant |
Required |
$88,430 |
| 🔩Pipefitter |
Required |
$87,160 |
| 🔧Plumber |
Required |
$72,600 |
| 📊Polygraph Examiner |
Not Required |
$94,005 |
| 🏊Pool Contractor |
Required |
$80,509 |
| 🕵️Private Investigator |
Required |
$81,627 |
| 📨Process Server |
Required |
$53,364 |
| ⚙️Professional Engineer |
Required |
$138,883 |
| 📡Radiologic Technologist |
Required |
$101,305 |
| ☢️Radon Mitigation |
Not Required |
$69,165 |
| 🏠Real Estate Agent |
Required |
$68,900 |
| 📐Real Estate Appraiser |
Required |
$84,649 |
| 🩺Registered Nurse |
Required |
$124,000 |
| 🫁Respiratory Therapist |
Required |
$107,584 |
| 🏘️Roofing Contractor |
Required |
$54,340 |
| 🚌School Bus Driver |
Required |
$56,207 |
| 🎓School Counselor |
Required |
$85,159 |
| 🛡️Security Guard |
Required |
$49,100 |
| 🚽Septic System Installer |
Required |
$67,509 |
| 🔨Sheet Metal Worker |
Required |
$81,309 |
| 🔎Skip Tracer |
Required |
$58,732 |
| 🤝Social Worker |
Required |
$80,564 |
| ☀️Solar Installer |
Required |
$65,784 |
| 💪Substance Abuse Counselor |
Required |
$74,119 |
| 🎨Tattoo Artist |
Required |
$59,036 |
| 📚Teacher |
Required |
$91,627 |
| 🚗Tow Truck Operator |
Required |
$53,019 |
| 🐾Veterinary Technician |
Required |
$60,361 |
| 🏭Wastewater Operator |
Required |
$73,719 |
| 🚰Water Treatment Operator |
Required |
$73,719 |
| 🔥Welder |
Not Required |
$52,340 |
| 💧Well Driller |
Required |
$72,367 |
Common questions about California licensing
Which trades require a state-level license in California?
73 of the 79 trades on this page require a California state license. The remainder are licensed at the local/county level or not at all.
Who issues professional licenses in California?
Most occupational licenses in California are issued by the relevant state Department or licensing Board listed on each individual trade page. Renewal periods are typically 1–3 years and most boards require Continuing Education Hours between renewals.
Can I transfer my license from another state to California?
Reciprocity varies by trade. California accepts some out-of-state licenses by endorsement after Experience and Exam verification — check the trade-specific page for the exact policy.
Data last verified 2026. Salary data from BLS OEWS. Always verify with the relevant California licensing board.