Throughout the 163,696 square miles of The Golden State, approximately 52,931 massage therapists work to help the more than 39.5 million people in their state find relief from pain, rehabilitation from injuries, and comfort in the midst of stress and anxiety.
With 3,928,864 people in Los Angeles, 1,381,069 people in San Diego, and 1,021,795 people in San Jose, massage therapists who work in California can find an engaged environment to open, continue, or join a massage therapy business.
If you’re ready to move into your career as a massage therapist in California, you must register with the California Massage Therapy Council. The registration fee is $200. Once you are registered, you must receive licensure by the Board. If you do not register, you will need to get a permit from each of the cities in which you practice massage.
In order to receive this license, you must complete a minimum of 500 hours from an accredited massage therapy school and be certified by the Board.
You can find application request forms on their website.
The California Massage Therapy Council provides information on CMTC school approval to help future LMTs choose the right school to complete their 500 required hours.
To help you get started, below are a couple of popular schools for massage therapy in California.
Other education options include Everest College and Esalen Institute.
The average annual wage of a massage therapist in California was $59,449 in 2014. This is on the higher side of state earnings, with the average national salary at $53,222. Massage therapists who work in San Francisco have the opportunity to earn a higher salary, with the average for this city at $66,528 annually.
“The body is precious. It is our vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care.” – Buddha
California, known for its liberal and free-spirited culture, has long been a haven for holistic wellness and alternative therapies. From the bohemian enclaves of San Francisco to the wellness retreats of Los Angeles, the Golden State embraces a diverse and dynamic approach to health and well-being. This progressive mindset has made California a hotspot for massage therapy, with over 53,000 massage therapists currently practicing in the state. Despite this large number, the demand for skilled massage therapists continues to grow as more people seek the benefits of massage for stress relief, pain management, and overall wellness.
Unlock a rewarding career in this thriving industry by becoming a certified massage therapist in California. This guide will walk you through each step of the process, emphasizing the unique requirements and responsibilities specific to California.
California’s approach to massage therapy is distinct from many other states, as it does not require a state license to practice. Instead, the state has a voluntary certification program administered by the California Massage Therapy Council ( CAMTC ). However, many cities and counties within California have their own regulations and may require CAMTC certification. It’s crucial for aspiring massage therapists to check with local authorities to understand specific requirements in their area.
To become a certified massage therapist in California, you must complete a minimum of 500 hours of education from a CAMTC-approved massage therapy program. These programs provide comprehensive training to prepare you for a successful career in massage therapy.
At least 100 hours of your education must cover:
To obtain CAMTC certification, you must meet several requirements:
After completing your education, you need to apply for certification in California. The process includes:
The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination ( MBLEx ) is a standardized test that assesses your knowledge and understanding of key concepts and practices in the field of massage therapy.
Although there are no requirements for a massage therapist in California to pass the MBLEx, nevertheless we highly recommend that you seriously consider taking it to enhance your knowledge, competence, credibility and professionalism in an already very competitive industry.
The MBLEx is administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards ( FSMTB ). It is designed to evaluate the competency of entry-level massage therapists and ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to practice safely and effectively. Passing the MBLEx is a requirement for licensure in most states.
California does not mandate licensed massage therapists to carry liability insurance. However, it is highly recommended. A typical recommendation is $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate. Specialist massage therapy liability insurance covers professional and general liability, ensuring you’re protected in cases of professional errors and premises-related incidents.
Massage insurance provides protection against various risks associated with the profession. Key reasons to consider obtaining insurance include:
Fortunately for you, Massage Magazine Insurance Plus ( MMIP ) has all of this in a very easy policy that takes just minutes to complete online. Protect yourself in 5 minutes with us!
Renewing your massage therapy certification in California is key to maintaining your professional status. Here’s what to expect:
Currently, the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) does not mandate continuing education for recertification. However, CAMTC strongly encourages massage therapists to pursue ongoing education voluntarily. Engaging in continuing education helps deepen your understanding of the field, refine your skills, and stay abreast of evolving industry standards.
A policy with MMIP will give you access to over 60 hours of Massage Continuing Education .
For massage therapists seeking to transfer their license to California or understand the state’s reciprocity policies, here’s what you need to know:
Once you become a licensed massage therapist in California, numerous employment opportunities await you with the right attitude and determination to beat the competition. Here’s an overview of potential workplaces, salary expectations, and job search tips to help you start your career.
Massage therapists can find employment in a variety of settings, including:
The salary for massage therapists varies based on location, experience, and place of employment. According to recent data:
The demand for massage therapists is projected to grow significantly. Employment of massage therapists is expected to increase by 18% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth will result in approximately 22,000 new job openings each year, driven by increasing awareness of the health benefits of massage therapy and the need to replace retiring workers ( Bureau of Labor Statistics ) .
As of May 2023, California ranked top for the highest level of employment for massage therapists. Although this number does not reflect self-employed, it certainly shows the current and probably future demand that Californians have for the wellness industry.
To successfully land a job as a massage therapist, consider the following strategies:
