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Verified by HI Board of Personal Care

Massage Therapist Licensing in Hawaii

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for massage therapist in Hawaii, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

Renewal al every 2 years

Licensing Blueprint for Massage Therapist in Hawaii

Estimated timeline: 1-18 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Complete 50 hours of in-class course work in human anatomy, physiology, and structural kinesiology. 2) Complete 100 hours of in-class course work on theory and demonstration of massage. 3) Complete 420 hours of practical massage training under supervision of teacher or sponsoring massage therapist.

  2. 2

    Education: Specific course required.

  3. 3

    Experience: Work experience required.

  4. 4

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    Education requirements: 1) Complete 50 hours of in-class course work in human anatomy, physiology, and structural kinesiology.

  7. 7

    2) Complete 100 hours of in-class course work on theory and demonstration of massage.

  8. 8

    3) Complete 420 hours of practical massage training under supervision of teacher or sponsoring massage therapist.

  9. 9

    State Massage Licensing Exam.

  10. 10

    $50 for application, $64 for 2-year license, and $100 for biennial compliance resolution fund.

  11. 11

    Renewal every 2 years is $64.

Exam and processing details

  • State Massage Licensing Exam

Continuing education and program notes

  • certificate for both infant and adult issued by the American Red Cross or American Heart Assn
Fee TypeAmount
Renewal every 2 years$64

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Board of Massage Therapy

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    Renewal al every 2 years

  4. Salary Position

    $80,590 median (39% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #5 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (8)

  1. 1. Meet Hawaii eligibility requirements for Massage Therapist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required State Massage Licensing Exam.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; $50 for application, $64 for 2-year license, and $100 for biennial compliance resolution fund.).
  6. 6. Budget filing costs (Renewal every 2 years: $64).
  7. 7. Submit the application to Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs~Professional and Vocational Licensing Division~Board of Massage Therapy and monitor board communications.
  8. 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al every 2 years; continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Hawaii

With a median salary of $80,590, Massage Therapists in Hawaii earn 39% above the national median of $57,950. Hawaii ranks #5 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-18 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

-0.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,316

Median annual salary

$80,590

Hourly estimate

$38.75
39% above national median

Difference: +$22,640

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$35,280
  • P2525th percentile$57,870
  • P50Median$80,590
  • P7575th percentile$109,930
  • P9090th percentile$161,410

State vs National Median

State: $80,590
National: $57,950

Total employment: 1,420 | Annual openings: N/A

Massage Therapist Salary Ranking

#5 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
Hawaii$80,590Specific course requiredThird-party exam required1-18 years
California$48,430Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Oregon$82,860Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Washington$82,820Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Alaska$135,200Varies 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
Hawaii50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Washington50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Alaska78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Board of Massage Therapy

P. O. Box 3469, [335 Merchant St., Rm. 301, Honolulu, HI 96813], Honolulu, HI, 96801

Phone: 8085863000

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Hawaii

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Barber$38,960Degree requiredVaries by board
Cosmetologist$52,000Specific course requiredVaries by board
Esthetician$41,560Specific course requiredVaries by board
Nail Technician$29,120Specific course required1 month

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Massage Therapists in Hawaii?

Hawaii lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Massage Therapists.

What education do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Hawaii?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Massage Therapist licensure in Hawaii.

What is the typical Massage Therapist salary in Hawaii?

The median annual salary for Massage Therapists in Hawaii is $80,590. Salaries range from $35,280 (10th percentile) to $161,410 (90th percentile).

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

Massage Therapists in Hawaii earn 39% above the national median of $57,950, with a state median of $80,590.

How many Massage Therapists work in Hawaii?

Hawaii employs approximately 1,420 Massage Therapists according to BLS data.

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

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Massage Therapists in Hawaii?

The licensing agency is Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs / Professional and Vocational Licensing Division / Board of Massage Therapy. Review agency details at http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/massage/.

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

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al every 2 years.