Start a massage therapy practice

Typically $1,000 to $8,000 to start, from lean to comfortable. It can start part-time, around another job.

Licenses and permits

Information, not legal advice

This is general information to help you research, not legal advice. Requirements change and vary by location, so confirm with each issuing authority. Allpage doesn’t guarantee it’s complete or that your business is compliant.

The work itself usually needs a state license before you take clients. What applies depends on your state and city. Pick your state for what businesses like it typically need there, with each agency’s page.

What it takes

To start: Typically $1,000 to $8,000 to start, from lean to comfortable.
Time: It can start part-time, around another job.
License to practice: The work itself usually needs a state license before you take clients.
How it charges: Per session, by length.

A massage therapy license, in most states
A table, linens and supplies
Liability insurance and a room, or travel to clients

What goes wrong early

Licensing hours come before paid clients
The work is physical, which limits sessions a day
Slow weeks between regulars

Steps to start

Check the licenses and permits. The work itself usually needs a state license before you take clients. What applies depends on your state and city: pick your state for what businesses like it typically need there, with each agency’s page. This isn’t legal advice.
Get what you need to start. A massage therapy license, in most states. A table, linens and supplies. Liability insurance and a room, or travel to clients. Typically $1,000 to $8,000 to start, from lean to comfortable.
Set your prices. Per session, by length.
Set up your website and bookings. Answer a few questions and Allpage drafts your website (bookable sessions, a personal story and gentle faqs) and turns on review requests after visits, booking reminders, rebooking reminders and win-back. You approve anything that matters.

What Allpage sets up

Answer a few questions and Allpage drafts your website (bookable sessions, a personal story and gentle faqs) and turns on review requests after visits, booking reminders, rebooking reminders and win-back. You approve anything that matters.

Review requests after visits. Asks customers for a review the day after they come to a session or appointment.
Booking reminders. Reminds each customer before every session they’re booked into, including each one of a series.
Rebooking reminders. Asks customers to book again a set time after a visit, if they haven’t already.
Win-back. Invites customers back when they haven’t come in a while, counted from their last visit.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a massage therapy practice?

Typically $1,000 to $8,000 to start, from lean to comfortable. Costs vary by place, so check prices where you are.

Can I start a massage therapy practice part-time?

It can start part-time, around another job.

Does a massage therapy practice need a license?

The work itself usually needs a state license before you take clients. What applies depends on your state and city: pick your state for what businesses like it typically need there, with each agency’s page. This isn’t legal advice.

How do businesses like it usually charge?

Per session, by length.

What goes wrong early?

Licensing hours come before paid clients. The work is physical, which limits sessions a day. Slow weeks between regulars.