Legallyfit
Legallyfit t1_j9yoj6h wrote
Reply to For marginal occupations licensed by U.S. states, the welfare costs of licensing exceeds the benefits, as workers have to expend resources to obtain the license and consumers pay higher prices. [The study looks at professions that require license in some states but not others]. by smurfyjenkins
Anyone have a non-paywalled copy? I’d be so curious to see the breakdown in licensing practices across professions. As others have pointed out - it feels risky to not license plumbers, electricians, contractors.
But there are many trades that require licensing that…. Maybe don’t. My state requires nail techs to be licensed but basically anyone can walk in and get licensed. It’s a paper test that’s easily cheated on. So yes for nail techs in my particular state, I bet this licensing scheme does just raise prices and the cost of doing business with no real benefits to health and safety of the public. Similarly auctioneers need a special license. Why??? I’d love to see more analysis of those issues.
Legallyfit t1_ja01ip0 wrote
Reply to comment by DeadFamilyMan in For marginal occupations licensed by U.S. states, the welfare costs of licensing exceeds the benefits, as workers have to expend resources to obtain the license and consumers pay higher prices. [The study looks at professions that require license in some states but not others]. by smurfyjenkins
There are many licensed industries where the license holders function like independent contractors and are responsible for their own licensing fees and any CE. Hairdressers and barbers rent slots at salons and pay for their own licenses, and nail techs often do too. Court reporters typically pay for their own licenses as well. Not sure about the trades like electric, plumbing, and HVAC though, but my impression is that you get licensed on your own dime and and then get on as an apprentice. That may vary by region though.