10 Easiest Professional Licenses to Get in 2026
March 3, 2026 · HowToGetLicensed Team
Looking for a professional license you can earn quickly and affordably? We analyzed licensing requirements across all 50 states for 49 professions to find the ones with the fewest education hours and lowest costs.
These licenses let you start a new career without years of schooling or thousands in upfront investment.
Rankings at a Glance
| # | Profession | Min. Education | Lowest Cost | Median Salary | Best State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Notary Public | None required | $58 | $47,330/yr | Virginia |
| 2 | Contractor | None required | $125 | $74,720/yr | Idaho |
| 3 | Plumber | None required | $125 | $61,550/yr | Wyoming |
| 4 | Electrician | None required | $225 | $61,590/yr | Wyoming |
| 5 | Insurance Agent | None required | $275 | $59,080/yr | Idaho |
| 6 | Acupuncturist | None required | $500 | $72,520/yr | Kansas |
| 7 | Funeral Director | None required | $500 | $61,060/yr | Colorado |
| 8 | Optician | None required | $500 | $42,420/yr | Texas |
| 9 | Security Guard | None required | $550 | $36,530/yr | Idaho |
| 10 | Insurance Adjuster | None required | $575 | $75,020/yr | Missouri |
Detailed Breakdown
1. Notary Public
The cheapest path is in Virginia, where total licensing costs start at just $58. View full Virginia guide →
2. Contractor
The cheapest path is in Idaho, where total licensing costs start at just $125. View full Idaho guide →
3. Plumber
The cheapest path is in Wyoming, where total licensing costs start at just $125. View full Wyoming guide →
4. Electrician
The cheapest path is in Wyoming, where total licensing costs start at just $225. View full Wyoming guide →
5. Insurance Agent
The cheapest path is in Idaho, where total licensing costs start at just $275. View full Idaho guide →
6. Acupuncturist
The cheapest path is in Kansas, where total licensing costs start at just $500. View full Kansas guide →
7. Funeral Director
The cheapest path is in Colorado, where total licensing costs start at just $500. View full Colorado guide →
8. Optician
The cheapest path is in Texas, where total licensing costs start at just $500. View full Texas guide →
9. Security Guard
The cheapest path is in Idaho, where total licensing costs start at just $550. View full Idaho guide →
10. Insurance Adjuster
The cheapest path is in Missouri, where total licensing costs start at just $575. View full Missouri guide →
How We Ranked These
We combined minimum education hours and lowest total licensing cost across all 50 states. Professions with fewer hours and lower costs rank higher. Salary data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024). Licensing costs include education, application fees, and exam fees.
Related Guides
- 10 Fastest Professional Licenses — ranked by timeline, not just ease
- Licenses That Don't Require a Degree — high-paying careers without college
- How Long Does It Take to Get Licensed? — timeline breakdown for all 49 professions
- Cheapest States for Licensing — where to save the most on licensing costs
Next Steps
Click any profession above to see the full state-by-state breakdown, including step-by-step instructions, exam details, and application links. Or compare which licenses offer the best ROI when factoring in salary.