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68 Home Businesses You Can Start Without a License in Colorado

These occupations don't require a state-issued occupational license in Colorado. You still need basic business registration (LLC or sole prop), but you can skip the licensing fees, training requirements, and exams.

68 license-free · 34 require a license · LLC cost: $50

No License

68

License Required

34

LLC Cost

$50

Sales Tax

2.9%

Construction and Home Services

Crane Operator
No license

Median

$35.65/hr

Annual

$74,140

Full guide →

Median

$34.97/hr

Annual

$72,740

Full guide →

Median

$31.93/hr

Annual

$66,410

Full guide →

Median

$30.49/hr

Annual

$63,420

Full guide →

Median

$30.49/hr

Annual

$63,420

Full guide →

Median

$29.69/hr

Annual

$61,750

Full guide →

Median

$29.69/hr

Annual

$61,750

Full guide →

Median

$29.49/hr

Annual

$61,340

Full guide →

Median

$29.49/hr

Annual

$61,340

Full guide →

Median

$29.43/hr

Annual

$61,220

Full guide →

Median

$29.43/hr

Annual

$61,220

Full guide →

Median

$29.19/hr

Annual

$60,710

Full guide →

Median

$29.19/hr

Annual

$60,710

Full guide →

Median

$27.94/hr

Annual

$58,120

Full guide →

Median

$27.94/hr

Annual

$58,120

Full guide →

Median

$27.82/hr

Annual

$57,870

Full guide →

Median

$27.82/hr

Annual

$57,870

Full guide →

Median

$27.82/hr

Annual

$57,870

Full guide →

Median

$27.82/hr

Annual

$57,870

Full guide →

Median

$27.23/hr

Annual

$56,630

Full guide →
Upholsterer
No license

Median

$26.92/hr

Annual

$55,990

Full guide →

Median

$25.69/hr

Annual

$53,430

Full guide →

Median

$25.69/hr

Annual

$53,430

Full guide →

Median

$25.36/hr

Annual

$52,740

Full guide →

Median

$25.36/hr

Annual

$52,740

Full guide →

Median

$24.92/hr

Annual

$51,820

Full guide →

Median

$24.92/hr

Annual

$51,820

Full guide →

Median

$24.35/hr

Annual

$50,650

Full guide →

Median

$24.35/hr

Annual

$50,650

Full guide →

Median

$23.38/hr

Annual

$48,630

Full guide →

Median

$23.38/hr

Annual

$48,630

Full guide →
Locksmith
No license

Median

$22.59/hr

Annual

$46,990

Full guide →

Median

$16.73/hr

Annual

$34,790

Full guide →

Other

Median

$32.01/hr

Annual

$66,590

Full guide →
Title Examiner
No license

Median

$30.85/hr

Annual

$64,170

Full guide →

Median

$27.61/hr

Annual

$57,420

Full guide →
Auctioneer
No license

Median

$26.90/hr

Annual

$55,960

Full guide →

Median

$22.15/hr

Annual

$46,080

Full guide →

Animals, Agriculture, and Outdoors

Median

$27.35/hr

Annual

$56,890

Full guide →

Median

$27.35/hr

Annual

$56,890

Full guide →
Taxidermist
No license

Median

$24.70/hr

Annual

$51,370

Full guide →
Tree Trimmer
No license

Median

$24.00/hr

Annual

$49,920

Full guide →

Median

$23.25/hr

Annual

$48,360

Full guide →
Forest Worker
No license

Median

$21.84/hr

Annual

$45,420

Full guide →
Animal Trainer
No license

Median

$21.00/hr

Annual

$43,670

Full guide →
Florist
No license

Median

$20.01/hr

Annual

$41,620

Full guide →
Packer
No license

Median

$18.75/hr

Annual

$39,000

Full guide →
Nursery Worker
No license

Median

$18.69/hr

Annual

$38,870

Full guide →

Entertainment and Hospitality

Travel Agency
No license

Median

$27.10/hr

Annual

$56,370

Full guide →
Bartender
No license

Median

$16.24/hr

Annual

$33,780

Full guide →

Health

Median

$24.37/hr

Annual

$50,690

Full guide →

Median

$23.11/hr

Annual

$48,070

Full guide →

Median

$22.97/hr

Annual

$47,770

Full guide →

Median

$22.46/hr

Annual

$46,730

Full guide →
Optician
No license

Median

$22.07/hr

Annual

$45,900

Full guide →

Median

$21.48/hr

Annual

$44,670

Full guide →

Transportation and Machinery

Median

$19.10/hr

Annual

$39,720

Full guide →

Education

What You Still Need (Even Without a License)

Business Registration

Form an LLC ($50 in Colorado) or register as a sole proprietor. An LLC protects your personal assets.

EIN (Tax ID)

Free from IRS.gov. Required for opening a business bank account and filing taxes. Takes 5 minutes online.

Home Occupation Permit

Most cities/counties require a permit to run a business from home. Usually $0-150. Check your local zoning office.

Business Insurance

General liability insurance runs $15-40/month for home businesses. Protects you from lawsuits and property damage claims.

Data: Institute for Justice License to Work 3. BLS OEWS May 2024 (wage data). "No license" means no state-issued occupational license — local permits and general business registration may still apply.