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.