Massage Therapy License: Hours, Cost & State Requirements (2026)
Massage therapy is a growing healthcare profession with clear licensing requirements in most states. Education programs typically take 6 to 12 months, and total costs range from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on your state and school.
Is Massage Therapy Licensed in Every State?
Almost. As of 2026, 46 states plus the District of Columbia require a license, certification, or registration to practice massage therapy. A few states — including Kansas, Minnesota, Vermont, and Wyoming — do not have statewide licensing requirements, though local regulations may apply.
Check your state at our massage therapy overview.
Education Requirements
The biggest variable between states is the number of required education hours:
States with lower requirements (500-625 hours):
- Vermont: No state requirement
- Nebraska: 1,000 hours
- New York: 1,000 hours
States with higher requirements (750-1,000 hours):
- Nebraska: 1,000 hours
- New York: 1,000 hours
- West Virginia: 1,000 hours
Most common requirement: 500 to 750 hours nationally.
What You’ll Study
Massage therapy programs cover:
- Anatomy and physiology (150+ hours)
- Kinesiology (muscle function and movement)
- Massage techniques (Swedish, deep tissue, trigger point, etc.)
- Pathology (when massage is contraindicated)
- Ethics and business practices
- Clinical practicum (supervised hands-on hours)
Programs are offered at massage schools, community colleges, and career centers.
The MBLEx Exam
The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) is the standard national exam accepted by most states:
- Administered by: Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB)
- Format: 100 multiple-choice questions
- Duration: 2 hours
- Fee: $265
- Pass rate: Approximately 70% first-time
- Topics: Anatomy, kinesiology, pathology, benefits/effects, client assessment, ethics
A few states (like New York) accept alternative exams or have their own state-specific exam.
Cost Breakdown
| Expense | Range |
|---|---|
| Massage school tuition | $4,000 – $12,000 |
| Books and supplies | $200 – $500 |
| MBLEx exam | $265 |
| Application fee | $50 – $200 |
| Background check | $20 – $50 |
| Massage table & supplies | $200 – $600 |
| Total | $4,735 – $13,615 |
Community college programs offer the best value, with tuition often under $5,000 for in-state students. Financial aid (FAFSA) is available for accredited programs.
Step-by-Step Process
- Research your state’s requirements at LicenseCompass
- Enroll in an approved massage therapy program meeting your state’s hour requirement
- Complete education including clinical practicum hours
- Register for the MBLEx (or your state’s required exam)
- Pass the exam (schedule at a Pearson VUE center)
- Apply for your state license with transcripts, exam scores, and fees
- Get your license — processing takes 2 to 6 weeks
Where Do Massage Therapists Work?
Licensed massage therapists work in diverse settings:
- Spa or wellness center: Most common starting point
- Chiropractic or medical office: Growing demand for therapeutic massage
- Sports and fitness: Working with athletes and fitness clients
- Private practice: Highest earning potential, requires building clientele
- Mobile/outcall: Travel to clients (growing trend)
- Hotels and resorts: Steady flow of clients
Salary Data
| Setting | Annual Earnings |
|---|---|
| Spa/salon employee | $30,000 – $40,000 |
| Medical/chiropractic office | $40,000 – $55,000 |
| Private practice (part-time) | $25,000 – $40,000 |
| Private practice (full-time) | $50,000 – $75,000 |
The national median is approximately $49,860 per year. Earnings vary significantly by location, specialization, and whether you build a private practice.
Compare salaries across states at our massage therapy salary page.
Continuing Education & Renewal
Most states require 12 to 24 hours of CE per renewal period (every 1 to 2 years):
- Ethics: 2 to 4 hours typically required
- Topics: New techniques, pathology updates, business skills
- Renewal fee: $50 to $150
Reciprocity and Interstate Practice
Massage therapy licensing reciprocity is limited. If you move states, you typically need to:
- Verify your current license meets the new state’s education hour requirement
- Confirm MBLEx scores are still valid (or retake)
- Apply for licensure by endorsement
- Pay the new state’s application fee
Moving from a high-hour state to a low-hour state is usually straightforward. The reverse may require additional education.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed massage therapist? Most programs take 6 to 12 months, depending on your state’s hour requirement and whether you attend full-time or part-time. Add 1 to 2 months for exam and licensing.
How much does massage school cost? Tuition ranges from $4,000 to $12,000. Community college programs are the most affordable option. Financial aid is available for accredited programs.
Is the MBLEx hard? With about a 70% first-time pass rate, the MBLEx is moderately challenging. Thorough study of anatomy, kinesiology, and pathology is key. If you fail, you can retake it after 30 days.
Can massage therapists work in multiple states? You need a license in each state where you practice. There is no national massage therapy compact (unlike nursing), so each state requires a separate application.
Is massage therapy a good career? With median earnings around $50,000 and growing demand in healthcare settings, massage therapy offers a solid career path. The relatively short education time (6 to 12 months) and low startup costs make it accessible compared to many healthcare professions.
Data sourced from CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) and FSMTB. Verify current requirements with your state licensing board.