Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Personal Care
Massage Therapist Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for massage therapist in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
Renewal AL: Renewal is required every two yearsLicensing Blueprint for Massage Therapist in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 1-18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
Be at least 18 years of age
- of good moral character, free of conviction of the offense of prostitution or sexual misconduct
- satisfy education or experience requirements.
- 7
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:.
- 8
Successfully complete the curriculum of one or more postsecondary academic institutions for massage, bodywork, and/or somatic therapy totaling 500 hours or more, where the institution is approved by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission or its equivalent in another state.
- 9
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:.
- 10
Massage and Bodyworks Licensing Examination (MBLEx).
- 11
A temporary license may be issued if a person works at all times under the supervision of a licensed person and successfully completes an exam.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- continuing education requirements
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
Renewal AL: Renewal is required every two years
- Salary Position
$49,670 median (14% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#40 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Be at least 18 years of age; of good moral character, free of conviction of the offense of prostitution or sexual misconduct; satisfy edu...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal AL: Renewal is required every two years; continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $49,670, Massage Therapists in Tennessee earn 14% below the national median of $57,950. Tennessee ranks #40 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$49,670Hourly estimate
$23.8814% below national median
Difference: -$8,280
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMassage Therapist Salary Ranking
#40 of 50 statesfor Massage Therapist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | $135,200 |
| #2 | Vermont | $105,490 |
| #3 | Oregon | $82,860 |
| #4 | Washington | $82,820 |
| #5 | Hawaii | $80,590 |
Nearby States Comparison
Massage Therapist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $49,670 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1-18 years |
| Kentucky | $54,890 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $56,850 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $61,670 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $56,740 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $48,960 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-19 years |
| Mississippi | $42,510 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 1 month |
| Arkansas | $31,280 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | 3 months |
| Missouri | $66,870 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 33 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 78 | High | Board-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
Agency website unverified
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
665 Mainstream Drive 2nd floor, Nashville, TN, 37243
Phone: 6155323202
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barber | $31,230 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Cosmetologist | $29,170 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Esthetician | $36,090 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Nail Technician | $30,030 | Specific course required | 1-2 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Massage Therapist in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee?
Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
The board typically expects Degree required for Massage Therapist licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Massage Therapist salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Massage Therapists in Tennessee is $49,670. Salaries range from $35,480 (10th percentile) to $61,150 (90th percentile).
How does the Massage Therapist salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Massage Therapists in Tennessee earn 14% below the national median of $57,950, with a state median of $49,670.
How many Massage Therapists work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 1,270 Massage Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Massage Therapist license to Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Health / Division of Health Related Boards / Division of Health Related Boards. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Massage Therapist license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal AL: Renewal is required every two years.