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How to get a massage therapist license in Iowa. 600 training hours required. MBLEx required. Government fees: $315. 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
Licensed
Regulation
600 hrs
Training Hours
Licensed Massage Therapist
License Title
MBLEx
Exam Required
$315
Total Fees
16 hrs
CE Required
Iowa requires state licensing to practice massage therapy. You must complete approved training, pass the required exam, and obtain a license before practicing.
Minimum Age
Education Level
Background Check
Fingerprinting
CPR Certification
Liability Insurance
Required Training Hours
600 hours
Clinical / Hands-On Hours
hours
Program Approval
Approved massage therapy program
Curriculum Topics
Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx)
Administered by FSMTB
Passing Score
Scaled score — pass/fail
Exam Fee
$195
MBLEx fee paid to FSMTB
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Nonrefundable | $120 |
License Fee | Included in application fee |
Exam Fee MBLEx fee paid to FSMTB | $195 |
Total Government Fees Application ($120) + MBLEx ($195) | $315 |
Can Use Title “LMT”
YesModalities Allowed
Restrictions
Accepts Out-of-State License
MBLEx Score Transfers
Additional Requirements for Reciprocity
Renewal Period
Renewal Fee
Continuing Education
Regulatory Board
Iowa requires at least 8 of the 16 CE hours to be hands-on training, emphasizing practical skills development.
16 CE hours required per 2-year renewal, with at least 8 hands-on hours.
First aid and CPR included in curriculum requirements.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Iowa.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#23 of 51
Salary
#13 of 51
Cost
#15 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Massage Therapists (SOC 31-9011)
Entry Level
$46,950
25th percentile
Median
$62,400
+8% vs. national avg ($57,950)Experienced
$75,130
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
700 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: 30–58 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Iowa Board of Massage Therapy — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Iowa Board of Massage Therapy — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the MBLEx licensing exam.
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Iowa requires 600 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.