The New York State Department is promoting a variety of licensed professions as part of a new “Be Your Own Boss” campaign aimed at increasing the number of licensees in the state and increasing economic opportunities for residents.

Professions from cosmetologists to security guards to home inspectors — all professions that require licenses to operate statewide — are part of the new social media campaign. The purpose of the marketing effort is to promote opportunities for New Yorkers looking to start a new career or supplement their existing income with part-time work.

“It’s a way for people to be more flexible with their career options,” Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley told Newsday. “People often don’t know where to start.”

As part of the campaign, the agency released a series of videos on its social media channels highlighting the top 10 most popular professions by number of existing licensees. These include: security guard, real estate agent, barber, beautician, home inspector, nail technician, beautician, natural hairstylist, notary and waxing specialist.

As of August, the State Department had more than 870,600 licensees in more than 40 professional titles. Initial application costs for the 10 licenses highlighted in the campaign range from $36 for a security guard license to $250 for a home inspector license, according to the State Department.

“This is a campaign for New Yorkers who are looking to change careers, be their own boss, supplement their current income or change their path altogether,” Mosley said. He hopes this “educates all New Yorkers about the different careers available.”

For those in workforce development and career education, the campaign reinforces a long-standing message: college is not the only path to financial security.

“Our typical student is someone who works retail during the day and learns a trade at night,” said Brad D. Slepian, assistant director of Nassau BOCES’ adult education program. For many students — especially those who face barriers to postsecondary education — there are programs and services available to help lower the cost of education, Slepian said.

“There are so many opportunities,” Slepian said.

Nassau BOCES’ adult education program currently offers 44 courses, Slepian said.

While adult learners can benefit from vocational training, many high school students enrolled in BOCES training through their school are also positioned to have greater access to well-paying jobs after graduation.

“Whether they’re adults or high school students, to be able to graduate with a credential, if they choose to use it, is a benefit to them,” said Peter J. Dalton, workforce development administrator for Nassau BOCES.

For more information about the state’s campaign or to learn about applying for a professional license, visit Department of State Licensing Division website.