License Requirements in New York
Browse all 79 trade and professional licenses in New York (NY). 63 require a state-level license.
Last updated 2026-05-08
By the numbers: 63 of 79 trades require a state-level license from a New York 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 |
$63,531 |
| 📏Architect |
Required |
$121,303 |
| ⚠️Asbestos Abatement Worker |
Required |
$62,491 |
| 🔨Auctioneer |
Not Required |
$46,579 |
| 🔗Bail Bondsman |
Required |
$55,042 |
| 💈Barber |
Required |
$44,890 |
| ♨️Boiler Operator |
Required |
$80,860 |
| 🚛CDL Driver |
Required |
$58,670 |
| 📊CPA |
Required |
$96,340 |
| 🏠Chimney Sweep |
Not Required |
$55,484 |
| ✈️Commercial Pilot |
Required |
$175,019 |
| ✂️Cosmetologist |
Required |
$42,890 |
| ⚖️Court Reporter |
Required |
$82,628 |
| 🏗️Crane Operator |
Required |
$78,403 |
| 💥Demolition Contractor |
Not Required |
$81,120 |
| 🦷Dental Hygienist |
Required |
$86,670 |
| 🚰Drinking Water Operator |
Required |
$69,446 |
| 🚑EMT / Paramedic |
Required |
$53,157 |
| ⚡Electrician |
Not Required |
$81,240 |
| 🛗Elevator Mechanic |
Required |
$133,146 |
| 🌍Environmental Scientist |
Not Required |
$102,674 |
| 🧴Esthetician |
Required |
$50,466 |
| 🧯Fire Sprinkler Fitter |
Required |
$83,018 |
| ⚱️Funeral Director |
Required |
$85,124 |
| 🏗️General Contractor |
Not Required |
$92,670 |
| 🪨Geologist |
Not Required |
$110,006 |
| 🪟Glazier |
Not Required |
$62,829 |
| ❄️HVAC Technician |
Not Required |
$68,900 |
| 👂Hearing Aid Specialist |
Required |
$76,271 |
| 🔍Home Inspector |
Required |
$72,670 |
| 🧱Insulation Worker |
Required |
$63,895 |
| 📋Insurance Agent |
Required |
$76,890 |
| 🗣️Interpreter |
Required |
$74,217 |
| 🗺️Land Surveyor |
Required |
$89,141 |
| 🌿Landscape Contractor |
Not Required |
$72,566 |
| 🛡️Lead Abatement Worker |
Required |
$60,073 |
| 💉Licensed Practical Nurse |
Required |
$77,649 |
| 🔐Locksmith |
Required |
$59,163 |
| 💆Massage Therapist |
Required |
$64,818 |
| 🦠Mold Remediation |
Required |
$60,463 |
| 🏦Mortgage Loan Originator |
Required |
$88,998 |
| 💅Nail Technician |
Required |
$44,070 |
| 📜Notary Public |
Required |
— |
| 👓Optician |
Required |
$57,525 |
| 🐛Pest Control Operator |
Required |
$48,670 |
| 🧪Pesticide Applicator |
Required |
$52,208 |
| 💊Pharmacy Technician |
Required |
$52,390 |
| 🏃Physical Therapy Assistant |
Required |
$83,304 |
| 🔩Pipefitter |
Not Required |
$82,108 |
| 🔧Plumber |
Required |
$78,900 |
| 📊Polygraph Examiner |
Not Required |
$88,556 |
| 🏊Pool Contractor |
Not Required |
$75,842 |
| 🕵️Private Investigator |
Required |
$76,895 |
| 📨Process Server |
Required |
$50,271 |
| ⚙️Professional Engineer |
Required |
$130,832 |
| 📡Radiologic Technologist |
Required |
$95,433 |
| ☢️Radon Mitigation |
Required |
$65,156 |
| 🏠Real Estate Agent |
Required |
$72,890 |
| 📐Real Estate Appraiser |
Required |
$79,742 |
| 🩺Registered Nurse |
Required |
$96,670 |
| 🫁Respiratory Therapist |
Required |
$101,348 |
| 🏘️Roofing Contractor |
Not Required |
$62,670 |
| 🚌School Bus Driver |
Required |
$52,949 |
| 🎓School Counselor |
Required |
$80,223 |
| 🛡️Security Guard |
Required |
$46,254 |
| 🚽Septic System Installer |
Required |
$63,596 |
| 🔨Sheet Metal Worker |
Not Required |
$76,596 |
| 🔎Skip Tracer |
Required |
$55,328 |
| 🤝Social Worker |
Required |
$75,894 |
| ☀️Solar Installer |
Required |
$61,971 |
| 💪Substance Abuse Counselor |
Required |
$69,823 |
| 🎨Tattoo Artist |
Required |
$55,614 |
| 📚Teacher |
Required |
$86,316 |
| 🚗Tow Truck Operator |
Required |
$49,946 |
| 🐾Veterinary Technician |
Required |
$56,862 |
| 🏭Wastewater Operator |
Required |
$69,446 |
| 🚰Water Treatment Operator |
Required |
$69,446 |
| 🔥Welder |
Not Required |
$56,670 |
| 💧Well Driller |
Required |
$68,172 |
Common questions about New York licensing
Which trades require a state-level license in New York?
63 of the 79 trades on this page require a New York state license. The remainder are licensed at the local/county level or not at all.
Who issues professional licenses in New York?
Most occupational licenses in New York 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 New York?
Reciprocity varies by trade. New York 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 New York licensing board.