Massage Therapy Regulations in the U.S.

Stay Legal. Stay Confident. Practice with Peace of Mind.

Looking for reliable information on massage therapy regulations and licensing requirements in the U.S.?
At Raynor Massage School, we help you understand what rules apply in your state so you can practice legally — and ethically.

Why Regulations Matter

Protect your clients with safe, professional standards
Protect yourself from fines, legal issues, and penalties
Maintain credibility as a licensed professional
Understand your scope of practice, including reflexology, deep tissue, and other modalities

National Overview

45 states + D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands require massage therapy licensure
Licensure categories: licensure, certification, registration (varies by state)
Most states require 500–1,000 hours of training, an approved exam (like MBLEx), and continuing education (CE) for license renewal

Reflexology & Specialty Modalities

Reflexology is often regulated under massage therapy laws:

In states like New York, reflexologists must have a full massage license
In other states, reflexology may be unregulated or covered separately
Always check both state laws and local (city/county) ordinances
Raynor Massage is exempt in some states if advertised as energy work and done fully clothed, like in Arizona or only practiced on the feet up to the knees, arms up to the elbows and head, above the neck in Missouri.

Local Rules You Should Know

City or county licenses may apply even if you have a state license
Local permits may include health inspections, zoning approvals, fingerprinting, or background checks
Example: New York City requires a massage establishment permit with the Health Department

Tips for Compliance

✅ Check your state board regulations
✅ Track your training hours and exam records
✅ Complete CE credits on time
✅ Apply for any required local permits
✅ Stay within your legal scope of practice

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all states require massage therapy licensure?
No. Currently, California, Kansas, Minnesota, Vermont, and Wyoming do not have state licensure, but local permits may apply.

How many training hours are required?
Typically, 500–1,000 hours of approved education plus passing a national or state exam.

Is continuing education (CE) required?
Yes, in most states — usually 12–36 hours every 1–3 years.

Can I transfer my license between states?
Many states offer reciprocity or endorsement if your original license meets or exceeds their requirements.

Why This Matters for Your Career

Knowing and following massage therapy regulations:

Protects your right to practice
Builds client trust
Strengthens your professional reputation
Prevents costly legal issues

Raynor Massage offers training and support to help you comply with your state’s requirements. Contact us to learn more!

For more information about Raynor Massage Courses Click Here

For testimonials about Raynor Massage Courses Click Here

For information about The Level 1 Online Introduction to Raynor Massage Click Here.

U.S. States and Territories (Alphabetical List)

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

U.S. Territories

American Samoa
District of Columbia (D.C.)
Guam
Northern Mariana Islands
Puerto Rico
U.S. Virgin Islands

Upcoming Massage Courses

2026

September

November

Raynor Massage Diploma en Masaje | Puerto Vallarta November 9th 2026View Details

Our Massage courses have helped many people with their career and personal lives.

Such an amazing course! The teacher Brandon was so knowledgeable and passionate about massage and natural therapies. I was recommended to do it by my cousin who did the course years ago and runs a successful massage business with the knowledge she learnt! Such an incredible course that truly reinvigorated my love for helping people heal. Couldn't recommend this course more for people who want to learn a massage style that truly helps people release tension and allows for amazing future career prospects! Thank you so much for this amazing experience!

Gracie Allurah

20 May 2025

Brandon Raynor Massage course was so helpful in that it has helped me, as an already practicing therapist, to further discern the roots of body tension and release it.
I also really enjoyed meeting Brandon and his personality is a breath of fresh air as a teacher and therapist.
The course is great as it has enmeshed within its content different aspects of other massage modalities from around the world. This aspect about the course was a gem for me as I learnt some of the best parts from other massage cultures.
I highly recommend the course to anyone starting their journey as a therapist or if you are already a therapist.
Thanks again Brandon

Joshua Corda

24 May 2024

ADVANCED RAYNOR MASSAGE COURSE I had an incredible 6 days learning more in depth Raynor massage last week in Australia. Brandon Raynor is so passionate about his teaching that his courses are priceless. I have been practicing Raynor massage over the last 6 years with amazing results. What I learned last week are bringing me to the next level of understanding this incredible modality. I understand more in depth the power of rhythm and flow and the importance of the breath. Advanced course is the next level. Any Raynor practitioner should do it. You have the chance to practice on other qualified students and receive quality massages like nowhere else. I already practice differently since I am back, and the results speak for themselves. I don't need to do much advertising; my clients take my cards and word of mouth is enough! If you are ready to change your life, ready to release your trapped body tensions (physical and emotional), you will feel like a new person. Thank you, Brandon, for this amazing opportunity to take this course and meet wonderful practitioners.

Body Mind Care

04 Mar 2023

Brandon, thank you for an amazing experience and sharing knowledge that i know will help clients with issues that come my way. The advance diploma course brought out a different side on how I can better myself with some great new techniques I can add to my arsenal.
Good laughs, fun learning and a great experience with all the great students that I felt a close bond with.
I appreciate and value what you are doing for this world to make it a tension free one!
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

Jean-loup Frederic

28 Feb 2023

I'm so grateful for the amazing opportunity to do the 3 day course with Brandon and Lily. I was part of quite a large group of lovely people, and they both held so much space, guidance, knowledge and skill for all of us. I learnt a lot about what I needed to let go of within my body and soul, and how I can guide others to do the same. Thank you so much Brandon and Lily.

Miriam Stewart

22 Nov 2022

I spent 7 days hands on with Brandon, Lilly and about a dozen friendly students like myself. I signed on as a beginner, I did the online course, and though upon arrival I was behind my fellow students in skill (some of whom were extremely experienced in various caring arts) I never felt neglected. The course I attended was truly a boutique course where Brandon worked his way through the group, demonstrating and teaching according to our individual ability and experience. It's undeniable that we all had our minds blown. I would recommend the experience to anyone. My level of bodily awareness has totally changed, the level of detail was fascinating, and if you are a novice like me you will also be in the best hands!
Thanks

P.S. my once-injured toe moves a lot better after all the massage practice we did LOL

Dan Robinson

21 Nov 2022

Honestly from the bottom of my heart 10/10 . I went into this course knowing what Raynor massage can do but when Brandon worked on my hands / shoulder and feet it was absolutely life changing. I’ve got hardly any pain now after I suffered for so many years . I recommend if you want to help your self or anyone else release tension I would book in today . Brandon is an absolutely beautiful man with a heart of gold & so knowledgeable. Thankyou Brandon xx

Itz_ JB

22 May 2022

JB Gaming

22 May 2022

Such a comprehensive course with valuable content and teachings! Brandon combines his vast amount of experience in different types of massage into a very unique and deeply therapeutic approach to share with students. I felt very supported with the course along the way.

Laura Pfrunder

18 Dec 2021

After being diagnosed with rhuemtoid arthritis 18 months ago I had lost alot of strength and was suffering terribly from chronic fatigue. I had also suffered from an incredibly tight and tender big toe, which gives me alot of sciatic pain. I have tried many different techniques and therapies over the years including physiotherapy, bowen therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, and have also seen many healing gurus around the globe to relieve the tension in my toe with no success. After one treatment from Brandon I can say with great relief that my toe is finally free from 40 years of tension. The raynor technique is not only effective, it's absolutely life changing. Brandon's intuition, years of experience, kindness, empathy and compassion make him not only a fantastic healer but also an outstanding teacher. Being in his class has given me the extra energy, confidence and happiness that's had been lacking for some time. Thanks again Brandon. I'm very grateful for all you do!

Danielle Mair

15 Nov 2020

Still have questions?

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Massage Therapy Regulations in the United States. A State by State Guide