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Massage Therapist Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for massage therapist in California, including $100 and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

$100

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

Renewal al: $50 Examination Frequency: Annually

Licensing Blueprint for Massage Therapist in California

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Must be a licensed physical therapist

  2. 2

    Education: Varies by state board.

  3. 3

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  4. 4

    Fees: Application: $100.

  5. 5

    Examination: $500.

  6. 6

    License: No Fee.

  7. 7

    Renewal: $50.

  8. 8

    Examination Frequency: Annually.

  9. 9

    Exam Locations: As needed.

Exam and processing details

  • $500 License: No Fee Frequency: Annually. Locations: As needed. Experience
Fee TypeAmount
Application$100

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Consumer Affairs • Physical Therapy Board of California

  2. Current Filing Fee

    $100

  3. Renewal Cycle

    Renewal al: $50 Examination Frequency: Annually

  4. Salary Position

    $48,430 median (16% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #42 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Massage Therapist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: $500 License: No Fee Frequency: Annually. Locations: As needed. Experience.
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (Fees: Application: $100.).
  5. 5. Budget filing costs (Application: $100).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Physical Therapy Board of California and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al: $50 Examination Frequency: Annually).

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of $48,430, Massage Therapists in California earn 16% below the national median of $57,950. California ranks #42 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$48,430

Hourly estimate

$23.28
16% below national median

Difference: -$9,520

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$34,000
  • P2525th percentile$35,440
  • P50Median$48,430
  • P7575th percentile$76,080
  • P9090th percentile$101,390

State vs National Median

State: $48,430
National: $57,950

Total employment: 15,240 | Annual openings: N/A

Massage Therapist Salary Ranking

#42 of 50 statesfor Massage Therapist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Alaska$135,200
#2Vermont$105,490
#3Oregon$82,860
#4Washington$82,820
#5Hawaii$80,590

Nearby States Comparison

Massage Therapist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$48,430Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Oregon$82,860Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$52,000Specific course requiredBoth state and third-party exams required1-18 years
Arizona$59,550Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Consumer Affairs • Physical Therapy Board of California

2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 2600, Sacramento, CA, 95815

Phone: 9165618200

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in California

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Barber$36,590Varies by state boardVaries by board
Cosmetologist$39,370Varies by state boardVaries by board
Esthetician$36,390Varies by state boardVaries by board
Nail Technician$35,000Varies by state board1-18 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Massage Therapist in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Massage Therapist salary in California?

The median annual salary for Massage Therapists in California is $48,430. Salaries range from $34,000 (10th percentile) to $101,390 (90th percentile).

How does the Massage Therapist salary in California compare to the national average?

Massage Therapists in California earn 16% below the national median of $57,950, with a state median of $48,430.

How many Massage Therapists work in California?

California employs approximately 15,240 Massage Therapists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Massage Therapist license to California from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Massage Therapists in California?

The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Physical Therapy Board of California. Review agency details at https://www.ptbc.ca.gov/.

How often do you renew a Massage Therapist license in California?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al: $50 Examination Frequency: Annually.