Massage Therapist in New York
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NY. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, New York.
Jobs (NY)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a massage therapist in New York
To become a licensed Massage Therapist in New York, individuals must complete a 1000-hour training program from a New York State Education Department-approved school. Subsequently, applicants must pass the New York State Massage Therapy Examination and submit an application with the required fees to the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions. Notable requirements include being at least 18 years old, possessing a high school diploma or GED, and holding current CPR certification. While New York does not offer true reciprocity, licensed massage therapists from other states may apply for licensure by endorsement if their qualifications align with New York's standards, often requiring them to take the New York State exam.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for New York. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist New York requirements
| Licensing body | New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 1000-hour training program |
| Exam | New York State Massage Therapy Examination ($260) |
| Application fee | $108 |
| Renewal | Every 3.0 years |
| Continuing education | 36.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | New York has no true reciprocity, requiring out-of-state licensees to pass the New York State exam.Reciprocal states: New York does not have true reciprocity. Licensed massage therapists from other states may apply for licensure by endorsement if their credentials meet New York's standards. This typically requires a current license in good standing, at least two years of practice experience (or five years for reduced education requirements), a high school diploma or GED, U.S. citizenship or legal residency, passing the New York State Massage Therapy Examination, proof of good moral character, and CPR certification within the last three years. Out-of-state applicants with fewer than 1000 hours of education may receive a deficiency letter and need to complete additional coursework. |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and of good moral character. A high school diploma or GED is required. CPR certification must be completed within three years prior to licensure. New York does not accept the MBLEx and has its own state-specific exam. A background check is not a standard requirement. |
Source: New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to New York? See whether New York recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Massage Therapist license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleNew York license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+15.4%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
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