09/01/2026
See how your state ranks in the new State Occupational Licensing Index from the Archbridge Institute. The fourth edition presents occupational licensing by state, with an updated ranking of all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.
We interview Edward Timmons, co-author of the 2026 State Occupational Licensing Index. He highlights the report’s key takeaways, explains the factors shaping state rankings, and shares insights on occupational licensing reform trends across the country.
“States vary significantly in how difficult they make it for aspiring workers to begin working,” says Timmons. “Oregon licenses 180 occupations, but Missouri licenses only 123. Twenty-eight occupations are licensed in five states or fewer.”
See how all 50 states and D.C. rank for occupational licensing burdens in 2026, with insights on licensing trends from index author Edward Timmons