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How to get a massage therapist license in California. 500 training hours required. Licensing exam required. Government fees: $300-$495. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Massage Therapist
Most information on this page has been verified.
86% of data points are verified against official sources. 3 fields based on preliminary research. 1 field needs verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Voluntary
Regulation
500 hrs
Training Hours
Certified Massage Therapist (CMT)
License Title
No
Exam Required
$300-$495
Total Fees
No
CE Required
California offers voluntary state certification for massage therapists. While not legally required to practice, obtaining certification demonstrates professional competence and may be required by some employers or insurance companies.
Minimum Age
Education Level
Background Check
Fingerprinting
CPR Certification
Liability Insurance
Required Training Hours
500 hours
Clinical / Hands-On Hours
hours
Program Approval
CAMTC-approved school
Curriculum Topics
Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx)
Other Accepted Exams
Passing Score
Scaled score — pass/fail
Exam Fee
$265
MBLEx fee if chosen; not required for all applicants
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee CAMTC certification fee | $300 |
License Fee | Included in certification fee |
Exam Fee MBLEx fee if applicable | $265 |
Background Check Fee | Included — Live Scan fingerprinting |
Total Government Fees Certification ($300) + MBLEx ($265 if required) | $300-$495 |
Can Use Title “LMT”
No / Different TitleModalities Allowed
Restrictions
Accepts Out-of-State License
MBLEx Score Transfers
Additional Requirements for Reciprocity
Renewal Period
Renewal Fee
Continuing Education
Regulatory Board
California has voluntary certification through CAMTC rather than mandatory licensure. CAMTC certification preempts local massage ordinances. No continuing education is required for recertification — only fee payment.
California uses voluntary certification through CAMTC, not mandatory state licensure.
CAMTC certification allows practice statewide and preempts local ordinances.
No continuing education required for recertification.
The title used is CMT (Certified Massage Therapist), not LMT.
CAMTC exam requirement (MBLEx) is currently suspended through December 31, 2027. Certification requires 500 hours from CAMTC-approved school, background check, and $300 fee. While certification is 'voluntary' at state level, most cities and counties require CAMTC certification to practice, making it de facto mandatory. No CE required for recertification.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in California.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#42 of 51
Cost
#10 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Massage Therapists (SOC 31-9011)
Entry Level
$35,440
25th percentile
Median
$48,430
-16% vs. national avg ($57,950)Experienced
$76,080
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
15,240 employed in this state
Note: Massage therapist income varies widely based on practice setting (spa, clinic, private practice). Self-employed therapists' earnings may differ significantly from these figures.
Source: BLS OEWS – Massage Therapists (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+13.9%
High DemandNew Jobs
+18,600
over 10 years
Annual Openings
20,300
per year (avg.)
133,200 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 26–52 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the MBLEx licensing exam.
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Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
California requires 500 hours of training to become a licensed massage therapist. Visit the state board for approved providers and application details.
Contact the state board for a list of approved education providers.