Massage Therapist in Alaska

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AK

Median Salary
$135,200
Alaska (2024)
National Median
$57,950
All states
License Fees
$815
Exam + application
Time to Complete
Varies (application processing 3-5 weeks)
From start to licensed

How to Become a Massage Therapist in Alaska

To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Alaska, applicants must register with the Alaska Board of Massage Therapists. Key steps include completing a minimum of 625 hours of in-class supervised instruction and clinical work from a board-approved school, passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), and submitting an application with a fee of $550, which includes the application, license, and fingerprint processing fees. Additionally, applicants must have current CPR certification and pass a national criminal history record check. Alaska offers reciprocity for licensees from specific states with equivalent or greater licensing requirements.

Massage Therapist Requirements in Alaska

DetailAlaska
Licensing BodyAlaska Board of Massage Therapists
State License Required Yes
Education625-hour training program
Exam Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265)
Application Fee$550
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing Education16.0 hours per cycle
NotesRequires current CPR certification and a national criminal history record check (fingerprinting). At least 2 hours of the 16 CE hours must be in ethics. An applicant for renewal may receive four hours of continuing education credit for completion of a bloodborne pathogens and universal and standard precautions course once every six years. Minimum age not specified, but typically 18 for professional licenses.

Source: Alaska Board of Massage Therapists

Massage Therapist Salary in Alaska

The median massage therapist salary in Alaska is $135,200 per year, which is 133.3% above the national median of $57,950.

PercentileAnnual Salary
10th (entry level)$56,200
25th$92,800
50th (median)$135,200
75th$153,700
90th (experienced)$167,550

Alaska employs approximately 570 massage therapists.

Massage Therapist Job Outlook

10-Year Growth
+15.4%
Much faster than average
Annual Openings
24.7
Nationwide per year
Total Employment
168
Nationwide

AI Impact on Massage Therapists

Low AI Exposure (Score: -1.41/1.00)

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

Is Becoming a Massage Therapist in Alaska Worth It?

Factors to consider: Alaska's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a massage therapist in Alaska?
To become a massage therapist in Alaska, you need to complete the required education (625-hour training program), pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), and submit your application ($550 fee).
Is a massage therapist license required in Alaska?
A state license is required in Alaska. Alaska Board of Massage Therapists handles massage therapist licensing — the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) is part of the process.
What do massage therapists earn in Alaska?
Alaska massage therapists bring home a median salary of $135,200. This exceeds the $57,950 national median by 133%. New massage therapists start around $56,200; seasoned professionals can reach $167,550.
What are the fees to become a massage therapist in Alaska?
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($265) and application fee ($550) plus your education and training.
How long does it take to become a massage therapist in Alaska?
The typical timeline in Alaska is Varies (application processing 3-5 weeks). This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.
How many CE hours do massage therapists need in Alaska?
Alaska requires 16.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your massage therapist license.

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