🏆State Leaderboards

The Best Locations to Launch

Where is the most profitable place to open your business? We ranked all 50 states by analyzing the balance between strict occupational licensing burdens and state-wide earning potential.

Our Ranking Methodology

We believe entrepreneurs thrive where barriers to entry are low and consumer spending is high. Our algorithm penalizes states with excessive required curriculum hours and high board fees, while heavily rewarding states that yield a high median hourly wage for the underlying profession.

Animals, Agriculture, and Outdoors

Animal Breeder→

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Animal Control Officer→

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Animal Trainer→

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Farm Labor Contractor→

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Fisher, Commercial→

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Florist→

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Forest Worker→

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Log Scaler→

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Milk Sampler→

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Nursery Worker→

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Packer→

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Pest Control Applicator→

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Still Machine Setter, Dairy Equipment→

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Taxidermist→

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Tree Trimmer→

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Vegetation Pesticide Applicator→

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Veterinary Technician→

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Wildlife Control Operator→

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Construction and Home Services

Carpenter/Cabinet Maker Contractor (Commercial)→

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Carpenter/Cabinet Maker Contractor (Residential)→

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Cement Finishing Contractor (Commercial)→

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Cement Finishing Contractor (Residential)→

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Crane Operator→

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Door Repair Contractor (Commercial)→

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Door Repair Contractor (Residential)→

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Drywall Installation Contractor (Commercial)→

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Drywall Installation Contractor (Residential)→

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Earth Driller, Water Well→

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Electrical Helper→

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Fire Alarm Installer→

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Floor Sander Contractor (Commercial)→

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Floor Sander Contractor (Residential)→

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Glazier Contractor (Commercial)→

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Glazier Contractor (Residential)→

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HVAC Contractor (Commercial)→

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HVAC Contractor (Residential)→

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Home Entertainment Installer→

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Insulation Contractor (Commercial)→

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Insulation Contractor (Residential)→

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Interior Designer→

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Iron/Steel Contractor (Commercial)→

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Iron/Steel Contractor (Residential)→

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Landscape Contractor (Commercial)→

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Landscape Contractor (Residential)→

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Locksmith→

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Mason Contractor (Commercial)→

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Mason Contractor (Residential)→

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Mobile Home Installer→

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Painting Contractor (Commercial)→

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Painting Contractor (Residential)→

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Paving Contractor (Commercial)→

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Paving Contractor (Residential)→

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Pipelayer Contractor→

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Security Alarm Installer→

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Sheet Metal Contractor, HVAC (Commercial)→

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Sheet Metal Contractor, HVAC (Residential)→

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Sheet Metal Contractor, Other (Commercial)→

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Sheet Metal Contractor, Other (Residential)→

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Terrazzo Contractor (Commercial)→

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Terrazzo Contractor (Residential)→

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Upholsterer→

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Cosmetology

Barber→

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Cosmetologist→

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Makeup Artist→

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Massage Therapist→

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Education

Child Care Home, Family→

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Coach, Head (High School Sports)→

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Preschool Teacher, Public School→

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Teacher Assistant, Non-Instructional→

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Entertainment and Hospitality

Bartender→

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Gaming Cage Worker→

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Gaming Dealer→

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Gaming Supervisor→

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Slot Supervisor→

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Travel Agency→

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Travel Guide→

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Health

Athletic Trainer→

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Dental Assistant→

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Dietetic Technician→

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Emergency Medical Technician→

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Midwife, Direct Entry→

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Optician→

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Pharmacy Technician→

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Psychiatric Aide→

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Psychiatric Technician→

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Social and Human Service Assistant→

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Other

Auctioneer→

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Bill Collection Agency→

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Funeral Attendant→

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Interpreter, Sign Language→

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Security Guard, Unarmed→

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Title Examiner→

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Personal Care Services

Manicurist→

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Shampooer→

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Skin Care Specialist→

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Transportation and Machinery

Bus Driver, City/Transit→

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Conveyor Operator→

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School Bus Driver→

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Taxi Driver/Chauffeur→

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Truck Driver, Other→

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Truck Driver, Tractor-Trailer→

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Weigher→

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