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Licensing One of the World's Oldest Professions: Massage

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  • Robert J. Thornton
  • Edward J. Timmons

Abstract

In this paper, we analyze the development of occupational regulation of massage therapists in the United States as well as the effects of state licensing and certification on their earnings and numbers. Our results suggest that massage therapists working in states with licensing receive an earnings premium of as much as 16.2 percent. We also find some evidence that licensing seems to reduce the number of massage therapists. We find less convincing evidence that certification has had similar effects. We argue that, taken together, our results suggest that licensing restricts entry at the expense of consumers and that its effects are less likely to be explained by other competing factors.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert J. Thornton & Edward J. Timmons, 2013. "Licensing One of the World's Oldest Professions: Massage," Journal of Law and Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 56(2), pages 371-388.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:jlawec:doi:10.1086/667840
    DOI: 10.1086/667840
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    References listed on IDEAS

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