LicenseCompass

Massage Therapist License in Michigan

Quick Answer

To become a licensed massage therapist in Michigan, graduate from an approved massage therapy program and pass a national certification exam. The license fee is just $100.75 — among the lowest nationally. Military families get expedited processing.

Exam
National certification exam
Total Cost
$200 (est.)
Timeline
2-4 months
Background Check
Required
Renewal
Every Biennial

Requirements

Massage Therapist license in Michigan

gold
Education
Specific course required
Exam
Third-party exam required
Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
Continuing Education
Continuing education required to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
Expedited processing is available for military and spouses

Licensing Agency

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs~Bureau of Professional Licensing

Massage Therapist Salary in Michigan

Entry Level

$33,910

Median

$54,510

Experienced

$85,070

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Massage Therapist in Michigan.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Specific course required

  2. 2

    Submit Background Check

    No criminal record prohibitions

  3. 3

    Pass the Required Exam

    Third-party exam required — National certification exam

  4. 4

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency.

  5. 5

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 2-4 months.

Massage Therapist Licensing in Michigan: What to Know

Michigan licenses massage therapists through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Professional Licensing. The COS data explicitly states the license fee is $100.75 — one of the lowest in the nation. Licensees must graduate from an approved massage therapy supervised curriculum and pass a national certification exam. Continuing education is required for renewal. Michigan offers expedited processing for military service members and spouses. No specific criminal record prohibitions are listed, making Michigan one of the more accessible states for licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Massage Therapist license cost in Michigan?
The estimated total cost is $200, including application fees, and education costs.
How long does it take to get a Massage Therapist license in Michigan?
The process typically takes 2-4 months, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Massage Therapist license in Michigan?
You need to pass the National certification exam. Third-party exam required

Considering another state?

Compare Massage Therapist requirements across states.

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.