Occupational Licensing

Alabama licenses a total of 151 occupations, covering over 432,000 Alabama workers – over 20 percent of the state’s labor force.

Occupational licensing imposes substantial costs on Alabamians in terms of reduced occupational mobility, reduced entrepreneurship, higher unemployment, and higher consumer prices.

Given the substantial costs of licensure, policymakers in Alabama should consider substantial reforms to occupational licensing laws.

Additional Resources