Massage Therapist / Washington
2026 data Washington board official source

Washington 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 Washington data shows for Massage Therapists

Washington's path to massage therapist licensure runs through 873 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. Washington folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Massage Therapy School".

Upfront cost is $170, with renewal running $87 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
54/100
Massage Therapist · Washington

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
873 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$170
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden C+
$44/yr
$87 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 Washington

Education / Training Hours
Massage Therapy School
873 hours
Exam Requirement
MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$170
Renewal Fee
$87
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 Washington licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Washington licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Massage Therapist in Washington? ▼
Washington's requirements cover 873 hours of education or training, the MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam) exam, and an initial fee of $170. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Massage Therapist in Washington? ▼
Washington licenses massage therapists who complete its requirements (873 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Washington licensing board.
Can I transfer my Massage Therapist license to Washington 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 Washington licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Washington require a background check for Massage Therapist licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for massage therapist licensing in Washington. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Massage Therapist in Washington? ▼
Licensed massage therapists in Washington must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $87.

Related Guides

What to do with this massage therapist license

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

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

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