Massage Therapist in Louisiana
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for LA
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Louisiana
To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Louisiana, applicants must register with the Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy. Key steps include completing a minimum 500-hour in-class, instructor-supervised training program, passing the MBLEx or NCBTMB national exam, and undergoing a criminal background check. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Louisiana offers reciprocity to licensed massage therapists from other states with comparable requirements.
Massage Therapist Requirements in Louisiana
| Detail | Louisiana |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 500-hour in-class, instructor-supervised training program (325 hours massage therapy techniques, 125 hours anatomy & physiology, 50 hours related coursework including business, ethics, CPR/first aid). Note: As of December 31, 2026, the requirement changes to a minimum 625-hour instructor-supervised course of studies (400 hours massage therapy techniques, maximum 175 hours anatomy & physiology, minimum 10 hours Louisiana law, rules, and ethics, remaining hours in related subjects). |
| Exam | Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or NCBTMB credentialing exam, followed by Louisiana's Board Oral Examination. ($265) |
| Application Fee | $75 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing Education | 12.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age 18 years old. Requires a criminal background check. Must have a high school diploma or equivalent. First-year applicants are not required to take CEUs. Renewals are due by March 31st each year. Online renewals are currently unavailable due to a security breach; renewals must be mailed. |
Massage Therapist Salary in Louisiana
The median massage therapist salary in Louisiana is $58,010 per year, which is 0.1% above the national median of $57,950.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $37,800 |
| 25th | $45,230 |
| 50th (median) | $58,010 |
| 75th | $70,140 |
| 90th (experienced) | $80,340 |
Louisiana employs approximately 540 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 Louisiana Worth It?
Factors to consider: Louisiana's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.