M assage therapy has become increasingly important as a healthcare profession, and as more and more people choose massage therapy as a part of their health care regimen, this career will continuously grow. A recent study sponsored by the American Massage Therapy Association has found that over 85% of people see massage therapy as beneficial to overall health and wellness.
What you need to know about Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy is a Growing Career
Quick Facts: Massage Therapy
| 2020 Median Pay* |
$43,620/year, $20.97/hour |
| Job Outlook 2019 - 2029 |
21% (Much faster than average) |
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Massage therapists manipulate soft tissues and muscles to relieve stress and muscle tension and evidence shows that the inclusion of massage therapy has helped patients manage chronic pain as well as helps them maintain a sense of well-being. Massage Therapy also is beneficial in helping patients rehabilitate from sports injuries and surgeries such as joint replacements.
In order to practice massage therapy, you need to be licensed, certified and/or registered in your state.
How to Become a Licensed Massage Therapist
- To become licensed, first you need to earn a certificate or diploma from an accredited massage therapy program.
- Then you will need to complete the hands-on, practical requirements of the state you plan to practice in, in order to obtain your license. This is usually achieved through an internship/practicum through the school you attend.
- After you have completed your massage therapy courses, you will need to pass a licensing exam. In some states, massage school graduates take a massage therapist exam that is created by the state, and in other states they require that you pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). This exam is administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB).
- Once you’ve passed the required examinations, you can then apply for a state license, but submitting proof that you have met the licensing requirements. You can find your state’s licensing requirements on the American Massage Therapy Association’s site.
Find a Massage Therapy School
Massage therapy training programs usually require that you have earned a high school diploma. There are currently over 245 accredited institutions offering massage therapy training programs in the United States with many having multiple campuses. During your training you will take courses in medical terminology, body mechanics, and anatomy and physiology.
Hourly and Annual Mean Wage of Massage Therapists by State
As of May 2020 the average annual salary for Massage Therapists was $43,620/year. The table below shows the average salary by state.
| Area Name |
Hourly mean wage |
Annual mean wage(2) |
| Alabama |
$ 17.32 |
$ 36,020 |
| Alaska |
$ 37.88 |
$ 78,790 |
| Arizona |
$ 22.26 |
$ 46,310 |
| Arkansas |
$ 22.12 |
$ 46,020 |
| California |
$ 21.51 |
$ 44,730 |
| Colorado |
$ 22.12 |
$ 46,020 |
| Connecticut |
$ 23.60 |
$ 49,090 |
| Florida |
$ 19.49 |
$ 40,530 |
| Georgia |
$ 16.27 |
$ 33,850 |
| Hawaii |
$ 27.38 |
$ 56,940 |
| Idaho |
$ 23.95 |
$ 49,820 |
| Illinois |
$ 24.37 |
$ 50,690 |
| Indiana |
$ 21.93 |
$ 45,610 |
| Iowa |
$ 19.58 |
$ 40,720 |
| Kansas |
$ 19.94 |
$ 41,480 |
| Kentucky |
$ 23.29 |
$ 48,450 |
| Louisiana |
$ 15.13 |
$ 31,470 |
| Maine |
$ 27.19 |
$ 56,560 |
| Maryland |
$ 22.54 |
$ 46,880 |
| Massachusetts |
$ 33.55 |
$ 69,790 |
| Michigan |
$ 24.28 |
$ 50,500 |
| Minnesota |
$ 25.51 |
$ 53,060 |
| Mississippi |
$ 16.20 |
$ 33,700 |
| Missouri |
$ 19.68 |
$ 40,930 |
| Montana |
$ 20.43 |
$ 42,490 |
| Nebraska |
$ 26.52 |
$ 55,160 |
| Nevada |
$ 18.88 |
$ 39,270 |
| New Hampshire |
$ 25.61 |
$ 53,260 |
| New Jersey |
$ 22.25 |
$ 46,280 |
| New Mexico |
$ 25.12 |
$ 52,250 |
| New York |
$ 26.58 |
$ 55,290 |
| North Carolina |
$ 20.55 |
$ 42,750 |
| North Dakota |
$ 20.62 |
$ 42,890 |
| Ohio |
$ 23.84 |
$ 49,590 |
| Oklahoma |
$ 19.19 |
$ 39,910 |
| Oregon |
$ 29.72 |
$ 61,820 |
| Pennsylvania |
$ 22.45 |
$ 46,700 |
| Rhode Island |
$ 16.34 |
$ 33,990 |
| South Carolina |
$ 17.75 |
$ 36,910 |
| South Dakota |
$ 15.69 |
$ 32,630 |
| Tennessee |
$ 21.84 |
$ 45,430 |
| Texas |
$ 20.36 |
$ 42,350 |
| Utah |
$ 22.47 |
$ 46,730 |
| Vermont |
$ 21.83 |
$ 45,400 |
| Virginia |
$ 20.44 |
$ 42,510 |
| Washington |
$ 31.23 |
$ 64,950 |
| West Virginia |
$ 21.46 |
$ 44,640 |
| Wisconsin |
$ 22.83 |
$ 47,490 |
| Wyoming |
$ 24.51 |
$ 50,990 |
* Source: United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics May 12, 2021
(2)Annual wages have been calculated by multiplying the corresponding hourly wage by 2,080 hours.
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