The table below lists states and territories that regulate the massage therapy profession and the primary requirements for a massage therapy practitioner. Local (county or municipal) ordinances may apply for states that do not regulate massage therapy. It is advised that consumers ensure the licensure status of their massage therapist before making an appointment.
State Requirements
(As of January 2023)
***Disclaimer: Some states are in the process of increasing education hours. Please verify with each state licensing board for up to date information.***
State | Regulatory Status | Minimum Education Hours | CE Hours Required | Renewal Period | Initial Licensing Fees | MBLEx Accepted |
Alabama | License | 650 | 16 | 2 Years | $125 | Yes |
Alaska | License | 625 | 16 | 2 Years | $550 | Yes |
Arizona | License | 500 | 24 | 2 Years | $250 | Yes |
Arkansas | License | 500 | 18 | 2 Years | $180 | Yes |
California | Voluntary Certification | 500 | N/A | 2 Years | $300 | No Exam Required |
Colorado | License | 500 | N/A | 2 Years | $200 | Yes |
Connecticut | License | 750 | 24 | 4 Years | $375 | Yes |
Delaware | License | 500 | 24 | 2 Years | $169 | Yes |
District of Columbia | License | 500 | 14 | 2 Years | $262 | Yes |
Florida | License | 500 | 24 | 2 Years | $100 | Yes |
Georgia | License | 500 | 24 | 2 Years | $125 | Yes |
Hawaii | License | 575 | 12 | 2 Years | $32 | State Exam |
Idaho | License | 500 | 6 | 1 Year | $65 | Yes |
Illinois | License | 600 | 24 | 2 Years | $175 | Yes |
Indiana | License | 625 | 24 | 4 Years | $100 | Yes |
Iowa | License | 600 | 16 | 2 Years | $120 | Yes |
Kentucky | License | 600 | 12 | 2 Years | $200 | Yes |
Louisiana | License | 500 | 12 | 1 Year | $125 | Yes |
Maine | License | 500 | N/A | 1 Year | $40 | Yes |
Maryland | License | 750 | 24 | 2 Years | $450 | Yes |
Massachusetts | License | 650 | N/A | 1 Year | $225 | Yes |
Michigan | License | 500 | 18 | 3 Years | $98.80 | Yes |
Mississippi | License | 200 | 12 | 1 Year | $250 | Yes |
Missouri | License | 500 | 12 | 2 Years | $125 | Yes |
Montana | License | 500 | 12 | 2 Years | $140 | Yes |
Nebraska | License | 1000 | 16 | 2 Years | $110 | Yes |
Nevada | License | 550 | 24 | 2 Years | $395 | Yes |
New Hampshire | License | 750 | 24 | 2 Years | $110 | Yes |
New Jersey | License | 500 | 24 | 2 Years | $195 | Yes |
New Mexico | License | 650 | 16 | 2 Years | $5/Month | Yes |
New York | License | 1000 | 36 | 3 Years | $108 | State Exam |
North Carolina | License | 500 | 24 | 2 Years | $190 | Yes |
North Dakota | License | 750 | 24 | 2 Years | $150 | Yes |
Ohio | License | 600 | N/A | 2 Years | $153.50 | Yes |
Oklahoma | License | 500 | 10 | 2 Years | $50 | Yes |
Oregon | License | 625 | 25 | 2 Years | $100 | Yes |
Pennsylvania | License | 600 | 24 | 2 Years | $100 | Yes |
Puerto Rico | License | 1000 | 6 | 3 Years | Yes | |
Rhode Island | License | 650 | 6 | 1 Year | $65 | Yes |
South Carolina | License | 500 | 12 | 2 Years | $150 | Yes |
South Dakota | License | 500 | 8 | 2 Years | $65 | Yes |
Tennessee | License | 650 | 24 | 2 Years | $280 | Yes |
Texas | License | 500 | 12 | 2 Years | $100 | Yes |
US Virgin Islands | License | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Utah | License | 600 | N/A | 2 Years | $95 | Yes |
Vermont | License | N/A | N/A | 2 Years | $75 | No Exam Required |
Virginia | License | 500 | 24 | 2 Years | $140 | Yes |
Washington | License | 652 | 24 | 2 Years | $226 | Yes |
West Virginia | License | 500 | 24 | 2 Years | $350 | Yes |
Wisconsin | License | 600 | 24 | 2 Years | $75 | Yes |
Disclaimer: Some states are in the process of increasing education hours. Please verify with each state licensing board for up to date information.