How to Become a Massage Therapist in Maine

The State of Maine Massage Therapist Requirements

Throughout the 35,385 square miles of The Pine Tree State, approximately 2,451 massage therapists work to help the more than 1.3 million people in their state find relief from pain, rehabilitation from injuries, and comfort in the midst of stress and anxiety.

With 66,595 people in Portland, 36,095 people in Lewiston, and 32,095 people in Bangor, massage therapists who work in Maine can find an engaged environment to open, continue, or join a massage therapy business.

How Do I Become A Massage Therapist in Maine?

If you’re ready to move into your career as a massage therapist in Maine, you must register with the Maine Massage Therapy Licensure. The registration fee is $86. Once you are registered, you must receive licensure by the Board. If you do not register, you will be working illegally and can receive a fine.

In order to receive this license, you must complete a minimum of 500 hours from an accredited massage therapy program and be certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

You can find application request forms on their website.

Where Can I Study?

The Maine Massage Therapy Licensure approves massage therapy programs with the following curriculum: 120 hours of human anatomy, physiology and pathology, massage therapy theory, technique and practice, 100 hours in hands-on experience, first aid/CPR certification (does not count toward 500 minimum hours).

Below are two approved schools in Maine to help you get started on what you may be looking for in a massage therapy education.

• Acadia School of Massage: With a mission “providing a level of quality education that exceeds typical massage training,” this school combines a foundation in human biology with techniques, blending together the art and science of massage therapy.
• Seacoast Career Schools: Students at Seacoast will be trained in a variety of classical massage techniques, advanced therapeutic procedures, and soft tissue manipulation. Students will understand how to work with specific populations (such as athletes, pregnant women and seniors) to understand that massage therapy is more than delivering massages.

Other education options include Therapeutic Bodywork Learning Center and Downeast School of Massage.

How Much Will I Earn?

The average annual wage of a massage therapist in Maine was $51,306 in 2021. This is on the lower side of state earnings, with the average national salary at $53,222. Massage therapists who work in Rochester-Dover have the opportunity to earn a similar salary, with the average for this city at $49,890 annually.

“You cannot drive the car if you do not have a driver’s license. You cannot do brain surgery if you are not a brain surgeon. You cannot even do a massage if you don’t have a license.” – Bikram Choudhury

Launch a rewarding career in the heart of New England by becoming a licensed massage therapist in Maine. Whether you’re drawn to the calming coastal towns like Bar Harbor or the vibrant energy of Portland, the Pine Tree State offers a serene backdrop for practicing massage therapy.

This in-depth guide will lead you through every step of the process, from completing a state-approved massage therapy program to passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), so you will confidently build a thriving professional practice in Maine massage therapy.

Educational Requirements

To become a licensed massage therapist in Maine, you must complete a minimum of 500 hours of education from a state-approved massage therapy program. These programs must be approved by the Office of Professional and Financial Regulation and are designed to equip students with a solid foundation in human anatomy, massage therapy techniques, and hands-on experience to prepare them for a successful professional practice in massage therapy.

Your massage school curriculum must include at least 120 hours of anatomy, physiology, and pathology, a minimum of 100 hours of supervised hands-on experience, and first aid training/CPR certification (though the CPR/first aid hours do not count toward the 500-hour total). Some of the well-known massage therapy schools in Maine include Acadia School of Massage and Spa Tech Institute, which are known for blending traditional techniques with a modern, science-based approach to therapeutic massage.

What is the MBLEx?

The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) is a standardized exam from a national certification board required for massage therapy licensure in Maine. Administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB), the MBLEx evaluates your understanding of anatomy and physiology, body mechanics, client assessment, professional ethics, and universal precautions.

Passing the MBLEx is fundamental for demonstrating the knowledge and skills necessary to begin practicing massage therapy safely and effectively. It is a core component of the licensing process in Maine and most other states.

Out-of-State License Transfer

If you are currently licensed in another state and wish to practice massage therapy in Maine, the Maine Massage Therapy Licensure Program will evaluate your credentials to determine if they meet or exceed the state’s standards. Your massage therapy program must include at least 500 hours of training in key areas such as human anatomy, massage therapy theory and practice, first aid training, and hands-on experience.

You must also have passed the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or an equivalent exam accepted by the Office of Professional and Financial Regulation. If your background meets these qualifications, you may be eligible for licensure without repeating coursework. However, the Board reserves the right to request detailed information, additional documentation, or impose specific conditions before granting a massage therapy license in Maine.

Application Process for Licensure

After completing your massage therapy education and passing the MBLEx, you’ll need to apply for licensure in Maine through the Office of Professional and Financial Regulation. The process includes:

• Submitting Proof of Education: Provide documentation from your state-approved massage therapy school, verifying that you’ve completed at least 500 hours of typical massage training, including coursework in anatomy and physiology, massage therapy practice, and first aid training.
• MBLEx Scores: Request that your official Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) scores be sent directly to the Maine Massage Therapy Licensure Program.
• Application Form: Complete the Maine massage therapy license application, which is available on the state of Maine’s Professional and Financial Regulation website.
• Application Fees: Submit the required application fee along with your form and supporting documents.

Background Check and Fingerprinting

Maine requires all applicants for massage therapy licensure to undergo a criminal background check as part of the application process. This step assures public safety and helps uphold the standards of professional and occupational regulation.

• Background Check: The Office of Professional and Financial Regulation will conduct a comprehensive review of your criminal history to determine your eligibility for a massage license in Maine.
• Fingerprinting (If Applicable): While Maine does not universally require fingerprinting for all massage therapy applicants, additional steps may be required in certain cases based on the results of your background check or if you’re transferring a license from another state.
• Fees and Processing: You are responsible for any fees associated with the background check, and processing times may vary.

Continuing Education Requirements

Currently, there are no continuing education requirements to maintain your massage therapy license in Maine. However, there have been recent legislative changes by the Maine Revisor’s Office: “The board shall establish by rule continuing education requirements as a condition of renewal of a license.”

We strongly recommend that all aspiring and licensed massage therapists keep a close eye on the board requirements for license renewal in accordance with this recent change.

Continuing education helps massage therapists stay current with evolving techniques, laws, and best practices, even when it’s not required. CEUs develop skills, support specialization, and boost professional credibility—building client trust and opening doors to new opportunities. CE also offers valuable business insights, helping therapists grow their practice and stay competitive in a changing industry.

Maine Massage Therapy Insurance Requirements

While not legally required, having massage insurance is highly recommended for massage therapists in Maine to protect their professional practice and ensure financial security. Here’s an in-depth look at why insurance is important, the types of Maine massage liability insurance available, and additional resources for Maine massage therapists.

Importance of Insurance

Massage insurance provides essential protection against various risks associated with the profession. Key reasons to consider obtaining insurance include:

• Professional Liability: Covers legal expenses and damages if a client sues you for malpractice or negligence. This is crucial as it protects you from claims related to injuries or dissatisfaction with your services.
• General Liability: Protects against accidents and injuries that may occur on your business premises. For instance, if a client slips and falls in your office, general liability insurance covers medical costs and potential legal fees.
• Identity Protection Coverage: Provides protection against identity theft and threat incidents that would put personal information at risk. Typically includes credit monitoring, dark web scans, and recovery services if your information is jeopardized.
• Personal and Advertising Injury Coverage: This coverage can help protect you if you’re accused of libel, slander, or false advertising.

Resources

For more detailed information on insurance requirements and recommendations for massage therapists in Maine, consider the following resources:

• Interstate Massage Compact: The Interstate Massage Compact, or IMpact, is a multistate license option for massage therapists who work in more than one state. Currently, only Nevada and Ohio have legislation enacted, but therapists should keep a sharp eye on this for licensure reasons.
• Office of Professional and Financial Regulation: Regularly visit the state website for any updates on regulations and current laws.
• MBLEx Guide: Dependable educational platform for completing the MBLEx.

Employment and Career Opportunities

Once you become a licensed massage therapist in Maine, numerous employment opportunities await you. Here’s an overview of potential workplaces, salary expectations, and job search tips to help you start your career.

Workplaces

Massage therapists can find employment in a variety of settings, including:

• Spas and Wellness Centers: These are common employers for massage therapists, providing relaxation and therapeutic services.
• Clinics and Hospitals: Medical settings where massage therapists may work alongside other healthcare professionals to assist in patient recovery and rehabilitation.
• Chiropractic Offices: Offering complementary care to chiropractic treatments.
• Private Practice: Many massage therapists choose to run their own businesses, practicing and offering massage therapy services directly to clients either in a home office or by traveling to clients’ locations.
• Fitness Centers and Sports Facilities: Working with athletes to prevent injuries and enhance performance.

Salary Expectations

The salary for massage therapists varies based on location, experience, and place of employment. According to recent data:

• The median annual wage for massage therapists in the United States was $55,310 as of May 2023 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
• In Maine, the average annual salary for massage therapists is approximately $48,293, with earnings varying by location, experience level, and workplace setting. For example, massage therapists in Portland, Falmouth, and South Portland report average salaries around $49,858, slightly above the state average (Salary.com, 2025).

Job Outlook

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.

Job Search Tips

To successfully land a job as a massage therapist, consider the following strategies:

• Networking: Connect with other professionals in the field through industry events, local massage therapy associations, and online platforms.
• Professional Associations: While Maine does not have a standalone state massage therapy association, valuable professional support is available through the Maine Office of Professional and Financial Regulation, local massage therapy schools such as Spa Tech Institute, and regional networking groups. These resources provide continuing education, job listings, and updates on massage therapy licensure and regulations, helping therapists stay connected and advance their professional practice across the state.
• Job Search Platforms: Use job search websites such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and specialized platforms for healthcare professionals to find job openings.
• Continuing Education: Stay updated with the latest techniques and trends in massage therapy by attending workshops and courses. This not only increases your skills but also makes you more attractive to potential employers.
• Marketing: If you are starting a private practice, invest in marketing efforts such as creating a professional website, using social media, and establishing partnerships with local businesses to attract clients.

Ensure Your Peace of Mind with Liability Insurance

As a massage therapist, protecting yourself and your practice is crucial. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a student starting your journey, liability insurance is an essential safeguard. Massage Magazine Insurance Plus offers comprehensive policies that cater to your specific needs, providing unmatched peace of mind. Here’s why you should consider this vital coverage:

Access to Continuing Education: Stay ahead in your field with access to a wide range of continuing education resources. Our policyholders enjoy exclusive benefits that help them keep their skills sharp and up-to-date.

Comprehensive Member Benefits: Join a community that offers more than just insurance. With Massage Magazine Insurance Plus, you gain access to numerous member benefits, including industry news, resources, and industry-exclusive discounts that can propel your career forward.

Why Wait? Protect Your Practice Today! Investing in liability insurance is a proactive step towards ensuring a successful and worry-free career. Don’t leave your practice vulnerable—choose Massage Magazine Insurance Plus and enjoy unparalleled protection and benefits.

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