Massage Therapist in Rhode Island
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for RI. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a massage therapist in Rhode Island
To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Rhode Island, applicants must obtain a license from the Rhode Island Department of Health. As of January 1, 2026, this requires completing an 800-hour, in-class, hands-on training program and passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). Additionally, applicants must be at least 18 years old, pass a criminal background check, and hold current CPR and First Aid certifications. Rhode Island offers reciprocity for licensees from states with equivalent or greater requirements.
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Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Rhode Island. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Rhode Island requirements
| Licensing body | Rhode Island Department of Health |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 800 hours of in-class, hands-on coursework and clinical work (effective January 1, 2026) |
| Exam | Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265) |
| Application fee | $65 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Rhode Island offers endorsement for out-of-state licensees meeting equal or greater requirements and national exam.Reciprocal states: Rhode Island may issue a license by endorsement to applicants licensed in another state or territory with equal or greater requirements. The applicant must have completed at least 800 hours of education (effective January 1, 2026) and passed a national certification examination such as the MBLEx. A grace period of 45 days from the application fee receipt date is allowed for out-of-state licensees to meet Rhode Island's requirements. |
| Notes | Minimum age 18. Requires a criminal background check including fingerprinting. Must have current CPR and First Aid certification. Online courses are not recognized. |
Source: Rhode Island Department of Health
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Rhode Island? See whether Rhode Island recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Massage Therapist license reciprocity guide.
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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.
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