The 10 Cheapest Professional Licenses to Get in 2026
March 23, 2026 · HowToGetLicensed Team
Budget is often the biggest barrier to getting licensed. The good news: several professional licenses cost less than a week's groceries. We ranked all 49 professions by their lowest available total licensing cost across all 50 states to find the most affordable paths to a new career.
Total cost includes pre-license education, application fees, exam fees, and any required supplies like bonds or stamps. It does not include optional expenses like study materials or equipment you might buy later.
10 Cheapest Licenses at a Glance
| # | Profession | Lowest Cost | Cheapest State | Education Needed | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Notary Public | $25 | Virginia | None | $47,330/yr |
| 2 | Contractor | $50 | Ohio | None | $74,720/yr |
| 3 | Plumber | $50 | Ohio | None | $61,550/yr |
| 4 | Electrician | $50 | Ohio | None | $61,590/yr |
| 5 | Contractor | $100 | Texas | None | $74,720/yr |
| 6 | Insurance Agent | $150 | Colorado | None | $59,080/yr |
| 7 | Plumber | $185 | Texas | None | $61,550/yr |
| 8 | Electrician | $150 | Texas | None | $61,590/yr |
| 9 | Insurance Agent | $250 | Alabama | None | $59,080/yr |
| 10 | Tax Preparer | $500 | Alabama | None | $48,250/yr |
Detailed Breakdown
1. Notary Public — From $25
A notary public commission is the single cheapest professional license in America. In Virginia, the total cost starts at just $25 with no mandatory pre-license education. Even in states with education requirements like California (6 hours, $150–$300) or Florida ($80–$180), the investment is minimal. Add a loan signing agent specialization and you can earn $75–$200 per mortgage closing. View all state requirements →
2. Contractor — From $50
General contractor licenses start at just $50 in states like Ohio, where you need only a registration and no formal education. In Texas, it is $100–$500. Even in states with more requirements like Florida ($500–$1,200), the cost is modest relative to the $74,720/yr median salary. The key requirement in most states is demonstrated work experience rather than classroom education. View all state requirements →
3. Plumber — From $50
Getting a plumber's license starts at $50 in Ohio and $185 in Texas. Most states do not require formal classroom education but do require apprenticeship experience (typically 4–5 years for a journeyman license). If you are already working as a plumber's helper or apprentice, the licensing cost itself is very low. View all state requirements →
4. Electrician — From $50
Similar to plumbing, electrician licensing starts at $50 in Ohio and $150 in Texas. The low upfront cost makes this an excellent trade to enter. Most states require on-the-job experience through an apprenticeship rather than expensive classroom hours. View all state requirements →
5. Insurance Agent — From $150
An insurance agent license starts at $150 in Colorado with no mandatory pre-license education. In Alabama, it is $250–$550. The beauty of insurance is the commission structure: sell policies and earn renewals year after year. Many agents work from home with flexible hours. Read our full insurance agent career guide →
6. Tax Preparer — From $500
At the federal level, all you need is a PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number) from the IRS, which is free. State requirements vary: states like Alabama start at $500 total, while California requires additional registration and education ($700–$1,700). Tax prep is an excellent seasonal side hustle earning $150–$400 per return during January–April. View all state requirements →
7. Security Guard — From $500
A security guard license typically costs $500–$600 in states like Alabama and Colorado. Many states require zero or minimal training hours. Armed security guards earn significantly more, though the armed guard license requires additional firearms training. View all state requirements →
8. Locksmith — From $500
A locksmith license starts at $500 in states like Alabama and Florida. Not all states even require licensing. For those that do, the requirements are typically minimal — no formal education, just a background check and application fee. Locksmiths who specialize in automotive or commercial work can earn well above the $46,270 median. View all state requirements →
9. Dental Assistant — From $500
Dental assistant licensing starts at $500 in states like Alabama with no mandatory pre-license education. This is one of the most accessible healthcare careers, and many dentists will train you on the job. In states like California ($3,000–$4,000), requirements are stricter, so choosing the right state matters. View all state requirements →
10. Insurance Adjuster — From $575
An insurance adjuster license is one of the best-value licenses available. Starting at $575, you can enter a career with a $75,020/yr median salary. Many states require no pre-license education. Storm season creates huge demand for independent adjusters, who can earn six figures during active hurricane years. View all state requirements →
Cost vs. Salary: The Real Picture
The cheapest license is not always the best value. Consider the salary-to-cost ratio:
- Best value: Notary public at $25 with a $47,330/yr median salary is an 1,893x return
- Highest salary on this list: Insurance adjuster at $575 with a $75,020/yr median salary
- Best trade career value: Contractor at $50 with a $74,720/yr median salary
For a complete ROI analysis, see our Best ROI Professional Licenses ranking.
How to Keep Costs Down
- Choose your state strategically — The same license can cost 10x more in one state than another. See our cheapest states for licensing guide.
- Use online education — Online courses are almost always cheaper than in-person programs. Most licensing boards accept online coursework.
- Check for reciprocity — If you get licensed in a cheap state, some professions let you transfer that license to your home state.
- Look for employer sponsorship — Many employers in trades and insurance will pay for your licensing costs if you commit to working for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest professional license I can get?
A notary public commission in Virginia costs just $25 total and requires no pre-license education. You can be licensed within a week.
Are cheap licenses worth it?
Absolutely. Several of the cheapest licenses lead to careers paying $50,000–$75,000/yr. A contractor license starting at $50 leads to a $74,720/yr median salary. An insurance adjuster license at $575 leads to $75,020/yr.
Do I need a degree for any of these licenses?
No. All 10 licenses on this list can be obtained without a college degree. Most require no formal pre-license education at all in at least some states. See our full guide to licenses that don't require a degree.