Massage Therapist / Missouri
2026 data Missouri board official source

Missouri Massage Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

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

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Provides therapeutic massage to relieve pain and reduce stress.

What the Missouri data shows for Massage Therapists

Missouri's path to massage therapist licensure runs through 556 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. Missouri folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Massage Therapy School".

Upfront cost is $94, with renewal running $54 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

B-
Licensing Ease Score
65/100
Massage Therapist · Missouri

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
556 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee C
$94
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden B+
$27/yr
$54 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 Missouri

Education / Training Hours
Massage Therapy School
556 hours
Exam Requirement
MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$94
Renewal Fee
$54
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 Missouri licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Missouri licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Massage Therapist in Missouri? ▼
In Missouri, the license path calls for 556 education/training hours, a passing score on MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam), and a $94 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Massage Therapist in Missouri? ▼
To become a licensed massage therapist in Missouri, you must meet the state's requirements including 556 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Missouri licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Massage Therapist license to Missouri 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 Missouri licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Missouri require a background check for Massage Therapist licensing? ▼
Missouri 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 Missouri? ▼
Missouri ties continued massage therapist licensure to 24 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $54 renewal fee.

Related Guides

What to do with this massage therapist license

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

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

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