Massage Therapist License Requirements by State
Find the licensing requirements, exact fees, and training hours required to work actively as a massage therapist in your state. Map out the regulatory environment across the country and launch your home business legally.
License Requirements by State
45 states require a license, 6 states do not.
All States Comparison
| State | License Required | Fee | Training | Exams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Required | $345 | 5.1 months | 1 |
| Alaska | Required | $745 | 4.9 months | 1 |
| Arizona | Required | $412 | 3.9 months | 1 |
| Arkansas | Required | $375 | 3.9 months | 2 |
| California | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Colorado | Required | $395 | 3.9 months | 1 |
| Connecticut | Required | $574 | 6.2 months | 1 |
| Delaware | Required | $344 | 3.9 months | 1 |
| District of Columbia | Required | $457 | 3.9 months | 1 |
| Florida | Required | $350 | 3.9 months | 1 |
| Georgia | Required | $320 | 3.9 months | 1 |
| Hawaii | Required | $245 | 4.4 months | 1 |
| Idaho | Required | $310 | 3.9 months | 1 |
| Illinois | Required | $370 | 4.7 months | 1 |
| Indiana | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Iowa | Required | $315 | 3.9 months | 1 |
| Kansas | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Kentucky | Required | $370 | 4.7 months | 1 |
| Louisiana | Required | $431 | 3.9 months | 1 |
| Maine | Required | $256 | N/A | 1 |
| Maryland | Required | $745 | 1.5 years | 2 |
| Massachusetts | Required | $345 | 5.1 months | N/A |
| Michigan | Required | $297 | 3.9 months | 1 |
| Minnesota | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Mississippi | Required | $445 | 5.4 months | 2 |
| Missouri | Required | $363 | 3.9 months | 1 |
| Montana | Required | $335 | 3.9 months | 1 |
| Nebraska | Required | $305 | 7.8 months | 1 |
| Nevada | Required | $675 | 4.3 months | 1 |
| New Hampshire | Required | $305 | 5.8 months | 1 |
| New Jersey | Required | $195 | 3.9 months | N/A |
| New Mexico | Required | $275 | 5.1 months | 2 |
| New York | Required | $303 | 7.8 months | 1 |
| North Carolina | Required | $345 | 3.9 months | 1 |
| North Dakota | Required | $345 | 5.8 months | 1 |
| Ohio | Required | $391 | 5.8 months | 1 |
| Oklahoma | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Oregon | Required | $336 | 4.9 months | 2 |
| Pennsylvania | Required | $295 | 4.7 months | 1 |
| Rhode Island | Required | $295 | 5.1 months | 1 |
| South Carolina | Required | $345 | 3.9 months | 1 |
| South Dakota | Required | $360 | 3.9 months | 1 |
| Tennessee | Required | $510 | 3.9 months | 1 |
| Texas | Required | $295 | 3.9 months | 2 |
| Utah | Required | $255 | 4.7 months | 1 |
| Vermont | Required | $75 | N/A | N/A |
| Virginia | Required | $335 | 3.9 months | 1 |
| Washington | Required | $421 | 4.9 months | 2 |
| West Virginia | Required | $545 | 3.9 months | 1 |
| Wisconsin | Required | $270 | 4.7 months | 2 |
| Wyoming | Not Required | — | — | — |
Getting Started
Ready to start your massage therapist business? Here is what you need to do:
- Click on your state above to see specific requirements
- Apply for a professional license if required by your state
- Register your business with your state Secretary of State
- Obtain a home occupation permit from your county
- Get business insurance to protect yourself and clients
- Set up your home workspace and start taking clients
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Related Guides & Tools
Best States for Massage Therapists
Data-driven rankings of all 50 states by wages, fees, and business costs.
Pricing Calculator
How much should you charge? Based on real BLS wage data.
Startup Cost Calculator
Get a personalized breakdown of your startup expenses.
Start Here Guide
New to starting a home business? Follow our step-by-step guide.