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Minnesota does not require a state license for massage therapists. Learn about voluntary certifications through AMTA, ABMP, and NCBTMB and how to start your massage therapy career. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Massage Therapist
Regulation Status
No state-level regulatory board
Not Regulated
Regulation
None required
Training Hours
N/A
License Title
No
Exam Required
N/A
Total Fees
No
CE Required
As of March 2026, Minnesota does not regulate massage therapy at the state level.
However, we strongly recommend obtaining voluntary certification through AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association), ABMP (Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals), or NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork) to build credibility and demonstrate competence. Local municipalities within Minnesota may also have their own licensing requirements.
Can Use Title “LMT”
No / Different TitleMinnesota is one of the few states with no state-level massage therapy regulation. Each municipality sets its own requirements, creating a patchwork of local regulations.
Minnesota has NO state-level licensing for massage therapy.
Regulation is handled at the municipal level — requirements vary by city.
Cities like Minneapolis, Blaine, and Maplewood have their own local requirements.
Many municipalities require 500 hours of education and MBLEx passage.
HF 362/SF 1131 (2025-2026 session) would establish statewide licensure. HF 362 initially passed the House floor but fell one vote short in committee. Bill is still active and moving through remaining committees. If passed, would require 625 hours of education, MBLEx passage, background check, and liability insurance. Initial license fee capped at $285, biennial renewal capped at $185.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Minnesota.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#6 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Massage Therapists (SOC 31-9011)
Entry Level
$50,550
25th percentile
Median
$75,500
+30% vs. national avg ($57,950)Experienced
$84,910
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
1,440 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)
Estimated total: 26–52 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: No state-level regulatory board — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: No state-level regulatory board — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the MBLEx licensing exam.
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While Minnesota doesn't require a state license, getting certified through AMTA or ABMP will help you build a successful massage therapy practice.
Voluntary certification is highly recommended for credibility and professionalism.