Massage Therapist in Kentucky
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for KY
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Kentucky
To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Kentucky, applicants must complete a minimum of 600 hours of instruction from a Kentucky Board of Licensure for Massage Therapy approved school and pass a board-approved examination, such as the MBLEx. Additionally, applicants must be at least 18 years old, of good moral character, and undergo both Kentucky State Police and FBI background checks. The application fee is $200, and licenses must be renewed every two years with 12 hours of continuing education, including 3 hours in ethics.
Massage Therapist Requirements in Kentucky
| Detail | Kentucky |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Kentucky Board of Licensure for Massage Therapy |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 600-hour training program |
| Exam | Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265) |
| Application Fee | $200 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 12.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Requires a background check (Kentucky State Police and FBI) and applicants must be at least 18 years of age and of good moral character. |
Massage Therapist Salary in Kentucky
The median massage therapist salary in Kentucky is $54,890 per year, which is 5.3% below the national median of $57,950.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $36,670 |
| 25th | $47,490 |
| 50th (median) | $54,890 |
| 75th | $76,880 |
| 90th (experienced) | $89,700 |
Kentucky employs approximately 650 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 Kentucky Worth It?
Factors to consider: Kentucky's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.