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Massage Therapy Schools & Programs
Massage therapists earn a median salary of $49,860 per year, with employment projected to grow 18% through 2032 – much faster than the national average (BLS, OEWS, May 2024). Massage therapy programs teach the anatomy, physiology, and manual therapy techniques needed to relieve pain, reduce stress, and promote healing. With approximately 24,000 annual job openings and strong demand across healthcare, sports, and wellness settings, trained massage therapists have diverse career options.
Massage Therapy Salary Snapshot
U.S.24,700 openings/yr
What Is a Massage Therapy Program?
Massage therapy programs train students in the science and practice of therapeutic massage, including multiple modalities, body mechanics, and client assessment. Coursework covers anatomy and physiology in depth so that students understand the musculoskeletal system they are working on. Programs combine classroom theory with extensive hands-on practice, where students perform massage techniques on classmates and clinic clients under instructor supervision. Many programs also address business skills for those who plan to enter private practice. Graduates are prepared to sit for state licensing exams and national certification tests.
What You’ll Learn
- Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and myofascial release techniques
- Anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology with emphasis on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems
- Pathology and contraindications for massage (when not to perform certain techniques)
- Client assessment, intake procedures, and treatment planning
- Body mechanics and self-care to prevent therapist injury and burnout
- Hydrotherapy, hot stone therapy, and other complementary modalities
- Sports massage and trigger point therapy techniques
- Business practices including marketing, client retention, and private practice management
- Ethics, scope of practice, and professional boundaries in therapeutic settings
- Neuromuscular therapy and pain management approaches
How Long Does Training Take?
Training length depends primarily on your state’s licensing requirements. State hour requirements range from 500 to 1,000 or more hours of instruction. Certificate programs typically take 6 to 12 months for full-time students, though some states with higher hour requirements (like New York at 1,000 hours) may take up to 18 months part-time. Associate degree programs in massage therapy take approximately 2 years and include general education courses alongside hands-on training. Tuition for massage therapy programs generally ranges from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the school and program length. Additional costs may include massage tables or supplies for practice, textbooks, and licensing exam fees.
Admissions & Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum age of 18 (required in most states for licensing)
- Physical ability to perform massage for multiple sessions per day (hand strength, standing endurance)
- Background check (required in many states for massage therapy licensure)
- Some programs require a health screening or physical examination
- Strong interpersonal skills and professional demeanor for working closely with clients
Licensing & Certification
Almost every state requires massage therapists to be licensed, and most use the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) as the licensing exam. A few states accept the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM) or the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCETMB) from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB). Licensure requirements include graduating from an approved program, passing the exam, and meeting your state’s minimum hour requirements. Licenses must be renewed every 1 to 4 years depending on the state, with continuing education required for renewal.
Career Outlook & Salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that massage therapists earn a median annual wage of $49,860 (BLS, OEWS, May 2024). Employment is projected to grow 18% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This strong growth is driven by increasing recognition of massage therapy as a complementary healthcare treatment and growing consumer demand for stress reduction and pain management. The field generates approximately 24,000 job openings each year. Therapists who specialize in medical massage, sports massage, or work in high-demand metropolitan areas often earn above the median. Self-employed therapists who build a strong client base can earn significantly more by setting their own rates.
Where You’ll Work
Massage therapists work in a wide range of settings. Spas and wellness centers are the most common employers, but opportunities also exist in chiropractic offices, physical therapy clinics, hospitals, sports facilities, and corporate wellness programs. A substantial percentage of massage therapists are self-employed, operating private practices from dedicated offices or providing mobile services. Hotels, resorts, and cruise ships also employ massage therapists, often on a seasonal or contract basis.
Online vs In-Person Options
Massage therapy requires extensive hands-on practice performing techniques on real people, so the majority of training must be completed in person. There is no substitute for learning proper pressure, body mechanics, and client positioning through direct practice. Some programs offer hybrid formats where anatomy, physiology, pathology, and business coursework are completed online, with hands-on technique classes and student clinic hours completed on campus. Fully online massage therapy programs do not meet state licensing requirements in any state. When evaluating hybrid programs, confirm that your state licensing board accepts the format.
Browse by Location
- View all locations: Massage Therapy by state
Massage Therapy Salary by State
| State | Median annual | Top 10% annual |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $48,960 | $89,750 |
| Alaska | $135,200 | $167,550 |
| Arizona | $59,550 | $90,640 |
| Arkansas | $31,280 | $63,430 |
| California | $48,430 | $101,390 |
| Colorado | $59,560 | $100,770 |
| Connecticut | $59,270 | $89,380 |
| Delaware | $53,920 | $108,090 |
| District of Columbia | $62,220 | $110,290 |
| Florida | $49,880 | $74,490 |
| Georgia | $56,740 | $83,760 |
| Hawaii | $80,590 | $161,410 |
| Idaho | $70,470 | $85,630 |
| Illinois | $60,640 | $97,360 |
| Indiana | $52,740 | $79,580 |
| Iowa | $62,400 | $91,350 |
| Kansas | $47,940 | $68,060 |
| Kentucky | $54,890 | $89,700 |
| Louisiana | $58,010 | $80,340 |
| Maine | $67,420 | $116,210 |
| Maryland | $58,390 | $100,260 |
| Massachusetts | $59,470 | $104,370 |
| Michigan | $54,510 | $85,070 |
| Minnesota | $75,500 | $95,840 |
| Mississippi | $42,510 | $123,060 |
| Missouri | $66,870 | $98,540 |
| Montana | $52,000 | $87,870 |
| Nebraska | $55,080 | $82,460 |
| Nevada | $52,000 | $88,760 |
| New Hampshire | $62,830 | $96,860 |
| New Jersey | $56,760 | $96,650 |
| New Mexico | $47,660 | $89,120 |
| New York | $58,730 | $104,060 |
| North Carolina | $61,670 | $92,400 |
| North Dakota | $70,720 | $89,390 |
| Ohio | $50,430 | $65,820 |
| Oklahoma | $48,140 | $97,640 |
| Oregon | $82,860 | $103,150 |
| Pennsylvania | $57,660 | $91,140 |
| South Carolina | $62,830 | $98,550 |
| South Dakota | $40,780 | $57,650 |
| Tennessee | $49,670 | $61,150 |
| Texas | $56,540 | $85,160 |
| Utah | $61,010 | $103,990 |
| Vermont | $105,490 | $124,490 |
| Virginia | $56,850 | $120,590 |
| Washington | $82,820 | $115,920 |
| West Virginia | $42,730 | $71,740 |
| Wisconsin | $57,530 | $92,220 |
| Wyoming | $32,430 | $74,350 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024.
Career Guide
Explore related career guides in our healthcare career center.
FAQs
How many hours of training do I need to become a licensed massage therapist?
Hour requirements vary by state, ranging from 500 hours in states like Vermont and Kansas to 1,000 hours or more in states like New York and Nebraska. Most states require between 500 and 750 hours. Check your state’s massage therapy licensing board website for exact requirements, and choose a program that meets or exceeds your state’s minimum to ensure you qualify for licensure.
Can massage therapists work for themselves?
Yes, many massage therapists are self-employed or operate their own private practices. The profession offers significant flexibility in scheduling and work environment. Self-employed therapists set their own rates and hours, but they also handle business responsibilities including marketing, scheduling, and accounting. Many therapists start by working in spas, clinics, or wellness centers to build experience and a client base before going independent.
What is the physical demand of being a massage therapist?
Massage therapy is physically demanding. Therapists use their hands, forearms, and elbows to apply sustained pressure, and they typically stand for the duration of each session. Performing multiple full-body massages per day can lead to repetitive stress injuries if proper body mechanics are not used. Good training programs emphasize self-care, ergonomic technique, and body mechanics to help you build a sustainable career. Most therapists limit themselves to 4 to 6 massage sessions per day.
What is the difference between the MBLEx and the NCETMB?
The MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination) is administered by the FSMTB and is the most widely accepted licensing exam across states. The NCETMB (National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork) is administered by the NCBTMB and serves as both a licensing exam in some states and a voluntary national certification. Most states accept the MBLEx, and it has largely become the standard. Check your state’s licensing board to confirm which exam is required.
How much can I earn as a massage therapist with experience?
Earnings increase with experience, specialization, and location. While the median salary is $49,860 per year (BLS, OEWS, May 2024), experienced therapists in metropolitan areas or those with specialized skills in medical or sports massage can earn well above that figure. Self-employed therapists who charge $80 to $150 per session and maintain a full client schedule have the potential for higher annual earnings, though they also cover their own business expenses.
Is massage therapy covered by health insurance?
Coverage varies by insurer and plan. Some health insurance plans cover massage therapy when prescribed by a physician for specific medical conditions such as chronic pain, injury rehabilitation, or certain musculoskeletal disorders. Workers’ compensation and auto insurance policies may also cover massage therapy for injury-related treatment. Therapists who want to accept insurance typically need to meet additional credentialing requirements and maintain detailed treatment documentation.
What specializations are available in massage therapy?
Licensed massage therapists can pursue specializations including sports massage, prenatal massage, oncology massage, geriatric massage, neuromuscular therapy, craniosacral therapy, lymphatic drainage, and medical massage. Specializations typically require additional continuing education coursework beyond the initial license. Developing a specialty can help you stand out in the job market and may allow you to charge higher rates for specialized services.
Salary data reflects U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for May 2024. Actual salaries vary by location, experience, and employer. Program availability and tuition costs vary by school.
Browse Massage Therapy Schools by State
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
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