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Verified by MI Board of Personal Care

Massage Therapist Licensing in Michigan

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for massage therapist in Michigan, 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

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Massage Therapist in Michigan

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    Massage therapy licensees must graduate from an approved massage therapy supervised curriculum and pass a national certification exam.

  6. 6

    The license fee is $100.75.

Exam and processing details

  • national certification exam

Continuing education and program notes

  • certification exam
Fee TypeAmount
The license fee$100.75

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs • Bureau of Professional Licensing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $54,510 median (6% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #33 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (8)

  1. 1. Meet Michigan 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 national certification exam.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Budget filing costs (The license fee: $100.75).
  7. 7. Submit the application to Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs~Bureau of Professional Licensing and monitor board communications.
  8. 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Michigan

With a median salary of $54,510, Massage Therapists in Michigan earn 6% below the national median of $57,950. Michigan ranks #33 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,308

Median annual salary

$54,510

Hourly estimate

$26.21
6% below national median

Difference: -$3,440

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$33,910
  • P2525th percentile$46,480
  • P50Median$54,510
  • P7575th percentile$73,100
  • P9090th percentile$85,070

State vs National Median

State: $54,510
National: $57,950

Total employment: 2,060 | Annual openings: N/A

Massage Therapist Salary Ranking

#33 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
Michigan$54,510Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$50,430Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Indiana$52,740Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Wisconsin$57,530Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries 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
Michigan50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Ohio54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Indiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Wisconsin50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be 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

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs • Bureau of Professional Licensing

P.O. Box 30670, Lansing, MI, 48909

Phone: 5172410199

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Michigan

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Barber$29,390Degree requiredVaries by board
Cosmetologist$35,720Degree requiredVaries by board
Esthetician$46,620Specific course requiredVaries by board
Nail Technician$34,920Specific course required2-18 years

FAQ

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

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 exams are required for Massage Therapists in Michigan?

Michigan 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 Michigan?

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

What is the typical Massage Therapist salary in Michigan?

The median annual salary for Massage Therapists in Michigan is $54,510. Salaries range from $33,910 (10th percentile) to $85,070 (90th percentile).

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

Massage Therapists in Michigan earn 6% below the national median of $57,950, with a state median of $54,510.

How many Massage Therapists work in Michigan?

Michigan employs approximately 2,060 Massage Therapists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Massage Therapist license to Michigan 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 Michigan?

The licensing agency is Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs / Bureau of Professional Licensing. Review agency details at https://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-89334_72600---,00.html.

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

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.