Massage Therapist in Georgia

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

Median Salary
$56,740
Georgia (2024)
National Median
$57,950
All states
License Fees
$400
Exam + application
Time to Complete
6-12 months
From start to licensed

How to Become a Massage Therapist in Georgia

To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Georgia, individuals must obtain a state license from the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy. Key steps include completing a minimum 500-hour training program, passing the MBLEx exam, and submitting an application with a fee of $135. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and undergo a background check. Georgia offers licensure by endorsement for those already licensed in states with comparable or higher requirements.

Massage Therapist Requirements in Georgia

DetailGeorgia
Licensing BodyGeorgia Board of Massage Therapy
State License Required Yes
Education500-hour training program
Exam Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265)
Application Fee$135
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing Education24.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age 18. Requires a background check. Must have a high school diploma or GED. Liability insurance is recommended. 12 of the 24 CE hours per cycle must be hands-on. No more than 12 hours may be completed via home study/online courses. Certain subjects are not accepted for CE hours (e.g., aromatherapy, reflexology, reiki).

Source: Georgia Board of Massage Therapy

Massage Therapist Salary in Georgia

The median massage therapist salary in Georgia is $56,740 per year, which is 2.1% below the national median of $57,950.

PercentileAnnual Salary
10th (entry level)$18,770
25th$41,530
50th (median)$56,740
75th$81,550
90th (experienced)$83,760

Georgia employs approximately 2,020 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 Georgia Worth It?

Factors to consider: Georgia'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 you get certified as a massage therapist in Georgia?
In Georgia, becoming a massage therapist requires you to complete the required education (500-hour training program), pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), and submit your application ($135 fee).
Does Georgia require massage therapist licensure?
Georgia mandates state licensure for massage therapists. Georgia Board of Massage Therapy oversees the process, which includes passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).
How much does a massage therapist make in Georgia?
In Georgia, the median pay for massage therapists comes to $56,740/year. — within a few percent of the $57,950 national figure. New massage therapists start around $18,770; seasoned professionals can reach $83,760.
What are the fees to become a massage therapist in Georgia?
Costs include exam fee ($265) and application fee ($135). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
How many months or years does massage therapist certification take in Georgia?
Expect to spend 6-12 months from start to finish in Georgia — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
Does Georgia require continuing education for massage therapists?
License renewal in Georgia requires completing 24.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.

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