Massage Therapist License: California vs Illinois
Thinking about getting your massage therapist license? Here's how California and Illinois compare on education requirements, exam fees, total costs, and renewal obligations.
| Requirement | California | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Education Hours | 500 hours | 600 hours |
| Exam | MBLEx | MBLEx |
| Application Fee | $300 | $175 |
| Exam Fee | $195 | $195 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $7,500 - $8,500 | $8,500 - $9,500 |
| Renewal Period | Every 2 years | Every 2 years |
| CE Hours | 0 hours | 24 hours |
| Renewal Fee | $300 | $175 |
Which State Is Easier or Cheaper?
Lower cost: California is the more affordable option, with an average total cost of $7,500-$8,500 compared to $8,500-$9,500.
Fewer education hours: California requires 500 hours of pre-license education, compared to 600 hours in Illinois.
Full State Guides
Compare massage therapist requirements across all 50 states →