How to Become a Massage Therapist?
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To become a massage therapist, you need to complete a state-approved training program of typically 500 to 1,000 hours. After graduation, you'll pass the MBLEx (or your state's required exam) and apply through your state board for a license. Most programs run 6 to 12 months. BLS reports a median annual wage of $57,950 and 15 percent projected job growth from 2024 to 2034. Here's the thing most pages bury: the path varies by state. A handful of states skip statewide licensure entirely. Two run their own exams instead of the MBLEx, and California uses voluntary CAMTC certification. This guide covers the national steps, then maps the state reality.
Carrington College - Boise Campus (Idaho)
- Format: In person, Boise
- Length: Certificate program, length varies by enrollment status
- Credential: Massage Therapy Certificate
- Notes: Prepares graduates for entry-level massage therapy practice. ACCJC-accredited; financial aid, grants, and scholarships available to those who qualify
The Licensing Patchwork: What Varies by State
Licensing rules differ across the country in ways that can affect which exam you take and how long the process takes. Most jurisdictions follow a similar pattern: graduate from an approved program, pass the MBLEx, and apply through the state board. The exceptions matter if you live in one of them.
Three states have no statewide massage therapy licensing: Kansas, Minnesota, and Wyoming. Local city or county ordinances often fill the gap, so practicing without any credential isn't usually an option even in unregulated states. Vermont sits in a gray zone. The state requires registration with the Office of Professional Regulation but does not require an exam or specific education hours. A 2026 bill (H623) may move Vermont to full licensure.
New York and Hawaii run their own state-developed licensing exams instead of accepting the MBLEx. California has a different setup again. The state offers voluntary certification through CAMTC (California Massage Therapy Council), but counties and cities can require their own local credentials on top of, or instead of, that certification.
Training hour requirements also vary. California requires 250 hours for Massage Practitioners and 500 hours for Massage Therapists. The fix here is straightforward: check your state's massage therapy board page before paying tuition. The hours your program offers need to match what your state will accept.
Massage Therapist Salary and Job Outlook
BLS reports a median annual wage of $57,950 for massage therapists in May 2024, with a median hourly wage of $27.86. Pay varies sharply by setting. The lowest 10 percent earned under $33,280, while the top 10 percent earned over $97,450.
Industry has a real effect on take-home pay:
- Offices of chiropractors: $66,710 median annual wage
- Offices of other health practitioners: $61,640
- Personal care services: $55,630
- Accommodation (hotels and resorts): $45,280
Self-employment is the dominant arrangement, with 42 percent of therapists working for themselves in 2024. Job outlook is strong. BLS projects 15 percent growth from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 24,700 openings projected each year over the decade.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a massage therapist in the US?
Most students complete training in 6 to 12 months full-time or 12 to 18 months part-time, depending on the program's required hours. Add a few weeks to a few months for state board processing after you pass the MBLEx. Total time from program start to licensed practice usually runs 8 to 18 months.
How much do massage therapists make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $57,950 for massage therapists in May 2024, with the top 10 percent earning over $97,450 and the lowest 10 percent under $33,280. Median hourly pay was $27.86. Offices of chiropractors paid the highest median at $66,710.
Do you need a license to be a massage therapist?
In most US states, yes. Forty-six jurisdictions require state licensure or registration through a state massage therapy board. Three states (Kansas, Minnesota, and Wyoming) have no statewide license requirement, though city or county rules often apply. New York and Hawaii use their own state exams instead of the MBLEx.
Is massage therapy a good career?
That depends on what you weigh. The training is shorter and less expensive than most healthcare careers, BLS projects 15 percent job growth through 2034, and 42 percent of practitioners are self-employed. The trade-offs are real. Most therapists can't sustain 8-hour, 5-day-a-week schedules long term because of physical strain, and pay varies sharply by work setting.
Choosing Your Path Into Massage Therapy
The real question to answer before paying tuition is whether your state's specific requirements line up with the program you're considering. Hours that count in Idaho may not count in New York. The program you pick has to match your specific state board's hour minimum and accepted exam, not a generic national checklist.
NCBTMB Board Certification can wait. Your state license is the credential that determines whether you can legally practice, and the MBLEx is what most state boards require. Add Board Certification once you're working and have a clear use for it.
Dreambound lists massage therapy programs from partnered schools across the country, with details on format, length, and what each program prepares you for. Compare options and check the requirements for your state before committing.
