United States (federal overview)
License requiredThere is no national massage license in the US. Each state (and DC) sets its own rules; most require 500–1,000 hours of education and the MBLEx (100 questions, 110 minutes). Employee (W-2) vs contractor (1099) status is decided by IRS and Department of Labor tests, and many states apply a stricter ABC test. For payments made in 2026 onward, businesses issue Form 1099-NEC to contractors paid $2,000 or more in a year.
| Regulation | License required |
|---|---|
| Credential | Licensed by each state |
| Exam | MBLEx (FSMTB) in most states; NY and HI use state exams |
| Renewal | Set by each state |
| Continuing education | Set by each state |
| Regulator | Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB): coordinates the MBLEx; states license |
Notes: Federal worker classification (as of October 2026): the DOL is not enforcing its 2024 independent contractor rule in investigations (Field Assistance Bulletin 2025-1) and proposed a replacement rule in February 2026 focused on control and opportunity for profit or loss; check dol.gov for a final rule. Tips: the 2025–2028 federal tips deduction lists massage therapists among eligible occupations (up to $25,000, income limits apply).
Confirm with the official regulator ↗
Sources
- FSMTB MBLEx Content Outline (PDF, Dec 2025)
- IRS: Independent contractor or employee?
- US DOL: Employee or independent contractor classification under the FLSA
- Holland & Knight: DOL proposes to rescind 2024 independent contractor rule (Mar 2026)
- OnPay: 1099 threshold changes explained
Last checked: October 24, 2026. Educational summary only, not legal advice.
Employee or contractor? Learn the W-2 vs 1099 rules →