Massage Therapist in Hawaii

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

Median Salary
$80,590
Hawaii (2024)
National Median
$57,950
All states
License Fees
$140
Exam + application
Time to Complete
6-12 months
From start to licensed

How to Become a Massage Therapist in Hawaii

To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Hawaii, applicants must register with the Hawaii State Board of Massage Therapy. Key steps include completing a minimum of 570 hours of massage therapy education from a state-approved program, passing the Hawaii State Massage Licensing Exam, and submitting a comprehensive application. Additionally, applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, undergo a background check, and hold current adult and infant CPR certification with a hands-on component. Hawaii does not offer reciprocity with other states, so out-of-state licensees must apply by endorsement and meet Hawaii's specific requirements.

Massage Therapist Requirements in Hawaii

DetailHawaii
Licensing BodyHawaii Board of Massage Therapy
State License Required Yes
Education570-hour training program
Exam Hawaii State Massage Licensing Exam ($90)
Application Fee$50
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing Education12.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age 18. Requires a background check and adult and infant CPR certification (hands-on component required, online-only not accepted). High school diploma or GED is required. 2 of the 12 CE hours must be in first aid, CPR, or emergency-related training with a hands-on component. Practice-building business courses are not accepted for CE hours.

Source: Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy

Massage Therapist Salary in Hawaii

The median massage therapist salary in Hawaii is $80,590 per year, which is 39.1% above the national median of $57,950.

PercentileAnnual Salary
10th (entry level)$35,280
25th$57,870
50th (median)$80,590
75th$109,930
90th (experienced)$161,410

Hawaii employs approximately 1,420 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 Hawaii Worth It?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What's required to work as a massage therapist in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, becoming a massage therapist requires you to complete the required education (570-hour training program), pass the Hawaii State Massage Licensing Exam, and submit your application ($50 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a massage therapist in Hawaii?
A state license is required in Hawaii. Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy handles massage therapist licensing — the Hawaii State Massage Licensing Exam is part of the process.
What is the average massage therapist salary in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, the median pay for massage therapists comes to $80,590/year. This exceeds the $57,950 national median by 39%. The range spans from $35,280 at the entry level to $161,410 for top earners.
What are the fees to become a massage therapist in Hawaii?
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($90) and application fee ($50) plus your education and training.
What's the timeline to become a massage therapist in Hawaii?
Most candidates in Hawaii complete the process in 6-12 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.
How many CE hours do massage therapists need in Hawaii?
Yes — massage therapists in Hawaii must complete 12.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.

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