Septic System Installer License Cost Rankings

All states ranked by total initial licensing cost for septic system installers. Find the cheapest and most expensive states to get licensed.

Septic system installer licensing costs reflect the environmental and public health stakes of wastewater management. Improper septic installation can contaminate groundwater and create serious health hazards. States with large rural populations that rely on septic systems tend to have the most rigorous licensing requirements.

Cheapest State

Mississippi

$255 total

Most Expensive

Hawaii

$490 total

National Average

$324

50 states require license

State-by-State Septic System Installer License Costs

Rank	State	Application	License	Exam	Total Cost
1	Mississippi	$60	$115	$80	$255
2	Arkansas	$60	$120	$80	$260
3	West Virginia	$60	$120	$80	$260
4	Alabama	$60	$125	$80	$265
5	Oklahoma	$60	$125	$80	$265
6	Kentucky	$60	$125	$85	$270
7	Kansas	$65	$125	$85	$275
8	Indiana	$65	$130	$85	$280
9	Iowa	$65	$130	$85	$280
10	Louisiana	$65	$130	$85	$280
11	Missouri	$65	$130	$85	$280
12	Nebraska	$65	$130	$85	$280
13	South Dakota	$65	$130	$85	$280
14	Tennessee	$65	$130	$85	$280
15	Idaho	$65	$130	$90	$285
16	New Mexico	$65	$130	$90	$285
17	Ohio	$65	$130	$90	$285
18	South Carolina	$65	$130	$90	$285
19	Georgia	$70	$135	$90	$295
20	Michigan	$70	$135	$90	$295
21	North Dakota	$70	$135	$90	$295
22	Wisconsin	$70	$135	$90	$295
23	Wyoming	$70	$135	$90	$295
24	Montana	$70	$140	$90	$300
25	North Carolina	$70	$140	$90	$300
26	Texas	$70	$140	$90	$300
27	Arizona	$70	$145	$95	$310
28	Utah	$70	$145	$95	$310
29	Florida	$75	$150	$100	$325
30	Minnesota	$75	$150	$100	$325
31	Pennsylvania	$75	$150	$100	$325
32	Maine	$75	$155	$100	$330
33	Delaware	$80	$160	$105	$345
34	Illinois	$80	$160	$105	$345
35	Nevada	$80	$160	$105	$345
36	Vermont	$80	$160	$105	$345
37	Virginia	$80	$160	$105	$345
38	Rhode Island	$80	$160	$110	$350
39	Colorado	$85	$165	$110	$360
40	New Hampshire	$85	$165	$110	$360
41	Oregon	$85	$165	$110	$360
42	Maryland	$85	$175	$115	$375
43	Washington	$85	$175	$115	$375
44	Connecticut	$90	$180	$120	$390
45	Alaska	$95	$190	$125	$410
46	New Jersey	$95	$190	$125	$410
47	Massachusetts	$100	$195	$130	$425
48	New York	$100	$205	$135	$440
49	California	$105	$210	$140	$455
50	Hawaii	$115	$225	$150	$490

What Affects Septic System Installer License Costs?

Septic system licensing often involves both a state contractor license and additional environmental or health department certifications. Many states require soil evaluation certification and percolation testing skills on top of installation knowledge. Continuing education for septic installers frequently focuses on evolving EPA and state environmental regulations.

Key Takeaways

The cheapest state is Mississippi at $255, while the most expensive is Hawaii at $490.
The national average is $324 and the median cost is $300.
These costs are initial licensing fees only — budget separately for surety bonds, insurance, and continuing education.

Costs shown are estimated initial licensing costs only. Actual fees may vary. Renewal fees, insurance, and bond costs are not included. Data last verified January 2026.