Can I massage without a licence in CA?
Neither the State of California nor CAMTC requires you to be certified to provide massage for compensation in California. Please note that some cities and counties do require CAMTC certification. We recommend that you check with your local city and county regarding their requirements. I look forward to working with you to provide you the information you are seeking for educational purposes only. Under CA law a licensed massage therapist cannot engage in tantric massage, as under CA law touching of genitals or anus of a customer for money would be illegal.Notwithstanding the foregoing, a massage of the female breasts may be provided with the written consent of the person receiving the massage and a referral from a licensed California health care provider as permitted by the California Massage Therapy Act.It is important to note that there has been a controversial discussion on whether full body massage does involve touching of the genitals. The laid down code of conduct among practitioners prohibits them from touching the genitalia among both women and men, and breasts among women.What areas are massaged in a full body massage? A full-body massage may include massaging your back, hips (including the sides of your buttocks), and the back of your legs, but not your private parts. Most spas will keep your private areas well covered to preserve your decency.
What is the massage ordinance in Los Angeles County?
Massage Services Performed by Unlicensed Massage Technicians and Non-CAMTC-Certified Massage Technicians is Prohibited. After the effective date of this ordinance, massage services performed by unlicensed Massage Technicians or non-CAMTC certified Massage Technicians is prohibited. A massage therapist should never touch the genital area of the client. This is either sexual abuse or prostitution. In most parts of the U. S. In the few states where it is legal, there must be written consent by the client.Sexual contact of any kind between a therapist and a client is unethical and illegal in the State of California.Understanding Professional Boundaries in Massage Therapy Any form of non-consensual physical contact is strictly prohibited, including sexual advances or inappropriate touching. Massage therapists are bound by a code of ethics emphasizing respect, consent, and professionalism.
Is massage legal in California?
CAMTC Certification allows Certified Massage Professionals to provide massage for compensation in all California cities and counties without the need to obtain multiple local permits and pay multiple permit fees. California Massage Therapy Council’s mission is to protect the public by certifying massage professionals in California that meet the requirements in the law and approving massage programs that meet the minimum standards for training and curriculum.A) A massage therapist who holds a current, valid massage therapist or massage practitioner certification issued by the California Massage Therapy Council may conduct massages pursuant to a home occupation massage permit, so long as he or she complies with the requirements of Chapter 17.
Can you practice massage in California without a license?
State licensing is voluntary in California, meaning an unlicensed person can practice massage therapy. However, 250 hours or 500 hours of training are still required for practitioners and therapists, respectively. Should you desire, you can achieve certification through the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC). The answer? Alaska. The state boasts the highest annual salary for massage therapists in the United States, averaging $79,370, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). But what makes Alaska so lucrative?The estimated total pay for a Massage Therapist is US$88,395 per year in the United States area, with an average salary of US$72,124 per year. These numbers represent the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users.Best-Paying States for Massage Therapists The states and districts that pay Massage Therapists the highest mean salary are Alaska ($100,670), Vermont ($86,740), Washington ($80,960), Oregon ($76,600), and New Hampshire ($72,970).Average base salary The average salary for a massage therapist is $38. California. Indeed in the past 36 months (updated July 28, 2025).The average salary for a massage therapist is $44. Los Angeles, CA. Indeed in the past 36 months (updated July 11, 2025).
How much is a California massage license?
Massage Certification Fees Two-Year Certification fee (Applying on or before March 31, 2023): $200. Two-Year Certification fee (Applying on or after April 1, 2023): $300. Fingerprint processing fee: $70 – $90. Even though there is no fixed amount, the standard tipping range for massage therapy typically falls between 15-25% of the session cost. The lower end (15%) is generally acceptable for a good experience, while 20% is more common for exceptional service.In general, tipping norms suggest leaving 15% to 20% of the service cost as a gratuity. This range is standard across many wellness centers and spas. However, personal experiences and service quality can affect this baseline. For instance, if you receive exceptional care, consider tipping towards the higher end.Many people tip around 15-20% of the massage cost. This range is a good starting point and is commonly accepted across different settings: at-home or mobile therapists, franchise spas or clinics, or an individual massage therapist. If you’re unsure, it’s always a safe bet to stick within this range.Even though there is no fixed amount, the standard tipping range for massage therapy typically falls between 15-25% of the session cost. The lower end (15%) is generally acceptable for a good experience, while 20% is more common for exceptional service.