Massage Therapist / Maryland
2026 data Maryland board official source

Maryland Massage Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Provides therapeutic massage to relieve pain and reduce stress.

What the Maryland data shows for Massage Therapists

Maryland sets the entry bar for massage therapists at 774 training hours and a passing score on MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam). A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Maryland's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Massage Therapy School".

Upfront cost is $146, with renewal running $76 on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

On reciprocity, massage therapists should know: Varies by state — check with state board.

Licensing Ease Score

C
Licensing Ease Score
56/100
Massage Therapist · Maryland

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training D
774 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$146
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden B-
$38/yr
$76 every 2 years
Continuing Education C-
12.0 hrs/yr
24 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Maryland

Education / Training Hours
Massage Therapy School
774 hours
Exam Requirement
MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$146
Renewal Fee
$76
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Massage Therapist All Maryland licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Maryland licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Massage Therapist in Maryland? ▼
In Maryland, the license path calls for 774 education/training hours, a passing score on MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam), and a $146 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Massage Therapist in Maryland? ▼
Certification as a massage therapist in Maryland means clearing the state's checklist: 774 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Maryland licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Massage Therapist license to Maryland from another state? ▼
Massage Therapist licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Varies by state — check with state board. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Maryland licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Maryland require a background check for Massage Therapist licensing? ▼
Yes, Maryland requires a criminal background check as part of the massage therapist licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Massage Therapist in Maryland? ▼
To stay licensed as a massage therapist in Maryland, plan on 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $76.

Related Guides

What to do with this massage therapist license

Massage Therapist in Maryland, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a massage therapist-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Maryland's massage therapist requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Massage Therapist in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state massage therapist license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Maryland's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Maryland overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Maryland licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.