Massage Therapist in Arkansas
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AR
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Arkansas
To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Arkansas, individuals must complete a minimum of 500 hours of training from a state-approved massage therapy school. Applicants must pass a licensing exam, such as the MBLEx, or the NCETM/NCETMB, and a state examination verifying knowledge of the Massage Therapy Act and rules. The application process includes a state and federal criminal background check, proof of being at least 18 years old, and payment of fees to the Arkansas Department of Health, Massage Therapy Section. While Arkansas has enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact), it is not yet fully implemented for multistate licenses.
Massage Therapist Requirements in Arkansas
| Detail | Arkansas |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Arkansas Department of Health, Massage Therapy Section |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 500-hour training program |
| Exam | Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM) or National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCETMB) ($265) |
| Application Fee | $180 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 18.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age 18. Requires a state and federal criminal background check. Must also complete a CPR course. Only 6 of the 18 CE hours can be from online/in-home courses. Arkansas has also enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact), but it is not yet active for multistate licenses as more states need to join. |
Source: Arkansas Department of Health, Massage Therapy Section
Massage Therapist Salary in Arkansas
The median massage therapist salary in Arkansas is $31,280 per year, which is 46.0% below the national median of $57,950.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $23,040 |
| 25th | $24,310 |
| 50th (median) | $31,280 |
| 75th | $41,760 |
| 90th (experienced) | $63,430 |
Arkansas employs approximately 320 massage therapists.
Massage Therapist Job Outlook
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 Arkansas Worth It?
Factors to consider: Arkansas's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.