---
title: "Massage Therapist: School, License and Earnings"
description: "How to become a massage therapist: state-approved programs, licensing exams like the MBLEx, the work and BLS May 2025 median pay."
url: https://careerdirecting.com/careers/massage-therapist/
updated: 2026-10-09
site: CareerDirecting
---

Wellness · Massage therapy

# Massage therapist Hands-on care, often on your own schedule.

Wellness career profile

Massage therapists relieve pain, help injuries heal and ease stress. Most states require a license after a state-approved program. Many therapists work part time or for themselves, which gives flexibility but makes income less predictable.

In short

To become a massage therapist, complete a state-approved massage program, often 500 hours or more depending on the state, then pass a licensing exam such as the MBLEx where required. Massage therapists earned a median of $58,450 in May 2025, and BLS projects 15.3% growth from 2025 to 2035, among the faster rates for certificate jobs.

**Job numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics** Updated October 9, 2026. Pay figures are national medians and are not a promise of what you will earn.

| Median pay | $58,450 a year, about $28.10 an hour (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| Typical way in | Certificate |
| Jobs in the U.S. | About 155,400 (2025) |
| Outlook, 2025 to 2035 | Projected growth of 15.3% |
| Openings each year | About 20,400 on average, including replacements |
| Licensing | Required in most states; hours set by state boards |
| Where they work | Spas, chiropractic and physical therapy offices, self-employed |

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025 to 2035 and May 2025 wages, [BLS](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm). National figures; pay where you live can be higher or lower, and starting pay is lower than the median.

## The work and its limits

Massage is physically demanding. Many therapists do fewer than 40 hours of hands-on work a week to protect their bodies, which is one reason so many work part time. Rebooking regular clients is the key to steady income.

## Questions people ask

### How long is massage school?

It depends on state requirements; many programs take several months to a year.

### Is massage therapy a good career?

It is growing and flexible, but physically demanding.

### Do massage therapists need a license?

Most states require one. Check your state board.

## Sources

- [BLS Employment Projections 2025 to 2035, Table 1.2 (occupational projections and worker characteristics)](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm)
- [BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Massage therapists](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm)

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