Massage Therapist / Michigan
2026 data Michigan board official source

Michigan Massage Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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Provides therapeutic massage to relieve pain and reduce stress.

What the Michigan data shows for Massage Therapists

Michigan sets the entry bar for massage therapists at 647 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 Michigan's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Massage Therapy School".

The initial price tag is $116, and renewal costs $63 every 2 years. The license also carries an ongoing 24-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Varies by state — check with state board.

Licensing Ease Score

C+
Licensing Ease Score
61/100
Massage Therapist · Michigan

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-
647 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee D
$116
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden B
$32/yr
$63 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 Michigan

Education / Training Hours
Massage Therapy School
647 hours
Exam Requirement
MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$116
Renewal Fee
$63
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 Michigan licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Michigan licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Massage Therapist in Michigan? ▼
Michigan requires 647 education/training hours, passing an exam (MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam)), and an initial fee of $116. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Massage Therapist in Michigan? ▼
Certification as a massage therapist in Michigan means clearing the state's checklist: 647 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Michigan licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Massage Therapist license to Michigan 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 Michigan licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Michigan require a background check for Massage Therapist licensing? ▼
Michigan does require a background check before issuing a massage therapist license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Massage Therapist in Michigan? ▼
Licensed massage therapists in Michigan must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $63.

Related Guides

What to do with this massage therapist license

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

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

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