Loading...
Loading...
How to get a massage therapist license in Texas. 500 training hours required. MBLEx required. Government fees: $295. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Massage Therapist
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
500 hrs
Training Hours
Licensed Massage Therapist
License Title
MBLEx
Exam Required
$295
Total Fees
12 hrs
CE Required
Texas 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
500 hours
Clinical / Hands-On Hours
hours
Program Approval
Approved massage therapy program
Curriculum Topics
Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx)
Administered by FSMTB
State-Specific Exam
Texas Jurisprudence Exam (if taking MBLEx; TDLR exam includes law content)
Passing Score
Scaled score — pass/fail
Exam Fee
$265
MBLEx fee paid to FSMTB
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $100 |
License Fee | Included |
Exam Fee MBLEx fee paid to FSMTB | $265 |
Total Government Fees Estimated total; does not include education costs | $295 |
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
Texas requires 125 hours specifically in Swedish massage techniques and offers two exam pathways: MBLEx + separate Texas Jurisprudence Exam, or the TDLR state exam which includes law content so no separate jurisprudence exam is needed.
500 hours includes 200 hours taught by a licensed instructor covering techniques/theory.
At least 125 hours in Swedish massage techniques.
Internship of at least 40 hours of hands-on practice required.
If taking MBLEx, must also pass Texas Jurisprudence Exam separately.
TDLR state exam includes law content so no separate jurisprudence exam needed.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Texas.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#30 of 51
Cost
#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
$45,880
25th percentile
Median
$56,540
-2% vs. national avg ($57,950)Experienced
$61,820
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
7,780 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: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the MBLEx licensing exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
Texas 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.