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How to get a massage therapist license in New York. 1000 training hours required. Licensing exam required. Government fees: $303+. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Massage Therapist
Governing Authority
New York State Education Department — Office of the Professions
Official website →Most information on this page has been verified.
82% of data points are verified against official sources. 4 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
1000 hrs
Training Hours
Licensed Massage Therapist
License Title
No
Exam Required
$303+
Total Fees
36 hrs
CE Required
New York 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
1000 hours
Clinical / Hands-On Hours
hours
Program Approval
Approved massage therapy program
Curriculum Topics
Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx)
State-Specific Exam
New York State Massage Therapy Examination
Passing Score
N/A
Exam Fee
$265
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $108 |
License Fee | Included in licensure fee |
Exam Fee | $265 |
Total Government Fees Estimated total; does not include education costs | $303+ |
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
New York requires 1,000 hours of education and does NOT accept the MBLEx. Instead, it administers its own state exam offered only twice per year (January and August). A limited permit (valid 1 year) is available while awaiting exam results.
New York requires 1,000 hours — one of the highest in the nation.
NY does NOT accept the MBLEx; requires its own state exam offered twice per year.
36 CE hours per 3-year renewal period.
Limited permit available for those who completed education but not yet passed exam.
200 hours of anatomy, physiology, and neurology (50 hours minimum in neurology).
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New York.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#50 of 51
Salary
#22 of 51
Cost
#11 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Massage Therapists (SOC 31-9011)
Entry Level
$42,380
25th percentile
Median
$58,730
+1% vs. national avg ($57,950)Experienced
$75,380
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
4,700 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: 46–85 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: New York State Education Department — Office of the Professions — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: New York State Education Department — Office of the Professions — 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.
New York requires 1000 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.