2026 data Maine board official source

Maine Massage Therapist License Requirements

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

Provides therapeutic massage to relieve pain and reduce stress.

What the Maine data shows for Massage Therapists

Maine's path to massage therapist licensure runs through 348 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam), plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Maine folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Massage Therapy School".

The initial price tag is $44, and renewal costs $32 every 2 years. 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

B+
Licensing Ease Score
76/100
Massage Therapist · Maine

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 C+
348 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee A+
$44
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden A+
$16/yr
$32 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 Maine

Education / Training Hours
Massage Therapy School
348 hours
Exam Requirement
MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$44
Renewal Fee
$32
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Maine licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Massage Therapist in Maine?
In Maine, the license path calls for 348 education/training hours, a passing score on MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam), and a $44 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Massage Therapist in Maine?
To become a licensed massage therapist in Maine, you must meet the state's requirements including 348 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Maine licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Massage Therapist license to Maine from another state?
Reciprocity for massage therapists nationally works like this: Varies by state — check with state board. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Maine. Verify the specifics with the Maine licensing board.
Does Maine require a background check for Massage Therapist licensing?
A criminal background check is mandatory for massage therapist licensing in Maine. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Massage Therapist in Maine?
Maine ties continued massage therapist licensure to 24 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $32 renewal fee.

What to do with this massage therapist license

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

  • See how Maine'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 Maine's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Maine overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Maine 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.