Getting started in massage therapy
Steps to go from licensed massage therapist to your first paying independent client.
- 1
Confirm your state license is active and check mobile/in-home rules
Massage therapy licensing is state-regulated — confirm your license covers independent practice, and check whether your city or state has separate permitting for in-home or mobile massage businesses.
- 2
Get liability and professional insurance
Most host spaces, landlords, and increasingly clients expect proof of insurance — association memberships (ABMP, AMTA) often bundle this in with membership dues.
- 3
Invest in a portable table and core supplies
A quality massage table (with a cart if you're mobile), face cradle, linens, and oils/lotions are your primary startup cost — budget for replacement linens and supplies as an ongoing expense, not a one-time buy.
- 4
Set your session rate and length menu
Price a standard 60-minute session first, then add 30/90-minute options and any modality or mobile-travel surcharges, benchmarked against local independent therapists rather than spa menu prices.
- 5
Build intake, consent, and booking paperwork
Create a health intake form and consent/service agreement so every new client fills one out before their first session, and set up online booking so clients can self-schedule.
- 6
Track continuing education requirements
Most states require a set number of CE hours per renewal period — plan and budget for these early so a license renewal deadline never catches you short.
- 7
Get your first clients and reviews
Start with referrals from your training program or prior workplace, set up a free Google Business Profile, and ask every satisfied client for a review — trust matters more for a hands-on service than almost any other solo profession on this site.