10 Cheapest Professional Licenses That Pay Well (2026)
Not all professional licenses require years of expensive education. Several high-paying careers have remarkably low barriers to entry — some costing under $500 to get licensed. Here are ten professions where the license cost is low but the earning potential is high.
The Best ROI Licenses
| Rank | Profession | License Cost | Timeline | Median Salary | 5-Year ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Insurance Agent | $200 – $500 | 2 – 4 weeks | $57,860 | Excellent |
| 2 | Real Estate Agent | $400 – $1,200 | 1 – 3 months | $52,030 | Excellent |
| 3 | Notary Public | $50 – $200 | 1 – 4 weeks | Varies widely | Good (side income) |
| 4 | Massage Therapist | $5,000 – $15,000 | 6 – 12 months | $49,860 | Good |
| 5 | Security Guard | $50 – $200 | 1 – 2 weeks | $34,750 | Good (entry-level) |
| 6 | Barber | $5,000 – $12,000 | 9 – 18 months | $35,990 | Moderate |
| 7 | Cosmetologist | $5,000 – $17,000 | 8 – 16 months | $35,080 | Moderate |
| 8 | EMT | $1,000 – $3,000 | 3 – 6 months | $38,930 | Good |
| 9 | Pharmacy Technician | $1,000 – $3,000 | 3 – 12 months | $38,350 | Good |
| 10 | Real Estate Appraiser | $2,000 – $5,000 | 6 – 12 months | $61,340 | Excellent |
1. Insurance Agent — Best Overall ROI
Why it’s #1: The insurance license costs less than $500, takes just 2 to 4 weeks, and offers uncapped commission-based income with residual earnings.
- License cost: $200 – $500 (education + exam + application)
- Education: 20 – 60 hours (1 – 2 weeks online)
- Income potential: $35,000 first year → $100,000+ in 3 – 5 years
- The kicker: Renewal commissions create passive income — each client generates revenue every year they keep their policy
See insurance agent requirements by state →
2. Real Estate Agent — Highest Ceiling
The classic “low cost, high reward” license. Education takes a few weeks to months, and top agents earn six figures.
- License cost: $400 – $1,200 (depending on state education hours)
- Education: 40 – 180 hours
- Income potential: $52,030 median, $112,000+ for top 10%
- Key factor: Income is entirely commission-based — your hustle determines your earnings
See real estate agent requirements by state →
3. Notary Public — Cheapest Entry
The lowest-cost professional credential available. While not a full-time career on its own, mobile notary services and loan signing agent work can generate significant side income.
- License cost: $50 – $200
- Education: 0 – 6 hours (varies by state)
- Income potential: $50 – $200 per appointment as a mobile notary; loan signing agents earn $75 – $200 per signing
See notary public requirements by state →
4. Massage Therapist — Healthcare Without a Degree
A healthcare career path that requires less than a year of education in many states.
- License cost: $5,000 – $15,000 (mostly tuition)
- Education: 500 – 1,000 hours (6 – 12 months)
- Income potential: $49,860 median; private practice owners can earn $60,000 – $80,000
- Growth: 18% projected job growth — much faster than average
See massage therapy requirements by state →
5. Security Guard — Fastest to Start
One of the quickest licensed careers to enter, with many states requiring less than a week of training.
- License cost: $50 – $200
- Training: 8 – 40 hours (some states have no training requirement)
- Income potential: $34,750 median; armed guards and supervisors earn $40,000 – $55,000
- Advancement: Path to private investigator, security management, or law enforcement
See security guard requirements by state →
6. Barber — Stable Demand, Lower Education Than Cosmetology
Barbers typically need fewer education hours than cosmetologists while enjoying steady demand.
- License cost: $5,000 – $12,000
- Education: 1,000 – 1,500 hours (most states)
- Income potential: $35,990 median; shop owners earn $50,000 – $80,000
- Advantage: Lower education hours than cosmetology in most states
See barber requirements by state →
7. Cosmetologist — Broadest Beauty License
The most versatile beauty license — covers hair, skin, and nails.
- License cost: $5,000 – $17,000
- Education: 1,000 – 2,100 hours
- Income potential: $35,080 median; booth renters and specialists earn more
- Versatility: Can specialize in coloring, extensions, bridal, or move into esthetics
See cosmetology requirements by state →
8. EMT — Entry to Emergency Medicine
EMT certification is the starting point for careers in emergency medicine, fire service, and paramedicine.
- License cost: $1,000 – $3,000
- Education: 120 – 150 hours (EMT-Basic)
- Income potential: $38,930 median; paramedic upgrade brings $50,000+
- Path forward: EMT → Paramedic → Flight Medic, Fire Department, or PA school
See EMT requirements by state →
9. Pharmacy Technician — Growing Healthcare Role
An accessible healthcare career with short training and growing demand due to pharmacist shortages.
- License cost: $1,000 – $3,000
- Education: 3 – 12 months (program or on-the-job training in some states)
- Income potential: $38,350 median; hospital and specialty pharmacy techs earn more
- Certification: PTCB exam ($129) is widely recognized
See pharmacy technician requirements by state →
10. Real Estate Appraiser — Underrated Opportunity
Appraising is less competitive than sales but offers solid salary and independence.
- License cost: $2,000 – $5,000 (education + supervision period)
- Education: 150 – 300 hours (for Licensed Residential level)
- Income potential: $61,340 median; experienced appraisers earn $75,000+
- Work style: Independent, flexible schedule, property inspections
See appraiser requirements by state →
How to Choose
Consider these factors when picking a licensed career:
- Upfront cost vs. earning timeline — Insurance and real estate have the fastest payback
- Income structure — Commission (unlimited ceiling) vs. salary (more stable)
- Work style — Office, mobile, client-facing, independent
- Growth potential — Can you advance without going back to school?
- Your state’s requirements — Check specific costs at LicenseCompass
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest professional license to get? A notary public commission costs $50 to $200 in most states and takes 1 to 4 weeks. For a full-time career, the insurance agent license ($200 to $500) offers the best combination of low cost and high earning potential.
Which professional license has the highest salary? Among the affordable licenses on this list, real estate appraiser ($61,340 median) and insurance agent ($57,860 median) have the highest salaries. However, top real estate agents and insurance agents can earn well over $100,000.
Can I get a professional license without a college degree? Yes. All ten professions on this list require no college degree — only state-specific education and exams. Some (like notary public and security guard) have minimal requirements.
How fast can I start earning with a professional license? Insurance agents can be licensed in 2 to 4 weeks. Security guards can be licensed in 1 to 2 weeks. Real estate agents typically take 1 to 3 months.
All salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics via CareerOneStop. License costs are estimates — verify exact costs for your state at LicenseCompass.