Massage Therapist in Kansas
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for KS
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Kansas
To become a massage therapist in Kansas, individuals must navigate a patchwork of municipal regulations as there is no statewide licensing. Most cities that do regulate massage therapy typically require at least 500 hours of education from an approved school and passing a national examination like the MBLEx. Additionally, applicants often need to be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and pass a background check. Requirements for reciprocity, application fees, and renewal cycles are determined by individual cities.
Massage Therapist Requirements in Kansas
| Detail | Kansas |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Varies by municipality; no statewide licensing body |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | Typically 500 hours of instruction from a recognized school, but varies by municipality |
| Exam | MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination) or equivalent national exam, if required by municipality |
| Notes | Kansas does not have a statewide licensing requirement for massage therapists. Licensing is handled at the municipal level, and requirements vary significantly by city. Common municipal requirements include a minimum age of 18, a high school diploma or GED, 500 hours of education, passing the MBLEx, and a background check. Some cities also require CPR and First Aid certification. Home-based massage therapy may be prohibited in some cities. There have been legislative attempts to establish statewide licensure, with a bill (SB 253) introduced in February 2025 that, if passed, would create a Board of Massage Therapy under the Kansas Board of Healing Arts and require 625 hours of education and a national exam. |
Massage Therapist Salary in Kansas
The median massage therapist salary in Kansas is $47,940 per year, which is 17.3% below the national median of $57,950.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $30,770 |
| 25th | $41,890 |
| 50th (median) | $47,940 |
| 75th | $55,000 |
| 90th (experienced) | $68,060 |
Kansas employs approximately 690 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 Kansas Worth It?
Factors to consider: Kansas's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.