Massage Therapist in Colorado
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for CO
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Colorado
To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Colorado, individuals must obtain a state license from the Colorado Office of Massage Therapy Licensure. Key steps include completing a massage therapy program of at least 500 hours, passing an approved examination such as the MBLEx, and submitting an application with an $80 fee. Applicants must also undergo a fingerprint-based background check and carry professional liability insurance. Colorado offers licensure by endorsement for those licensed in other states with comparable requirements.
Massage Therapist Requirements in Colorado
| Detail | Colorado |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Colorado Office of Massage Therapy Licensure |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 500-hour training program |
| Exam | Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265) |
| Application Fee | $80 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Requires liability insurance and a fingerprint-based background check. Some cities/counties may have additional business licensing requirements. |
Massage Therapist Salary in Colorado
The median massage therapist salary in Colorado is $59,560 per year, which is 2.8% above the national median of $57,950.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $46,520 |
| 25th | $53,610 |
| 50th (median) | $59,560 |
| 75th | $78,810 |
| 90th (experienced) | $100,770 |
Colorado employs approximately 4,160 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 Colorado Worth It?
Factors to consider: Colorado's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.