Massage Therapist in Massachusetts
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MA
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Massachusetts
To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Massachusetts, individuals must apply through the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Massage Therapy. Key steps include completing a minimum of 650 hours of supervised classroom and clinical instruction from an approved school, passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), and submitting a comprehensive application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, provide two letters of reference, and secure professional liability insurance. While Massachusetts does not have direct reciprocity, the board may consider applicants licensed in other states with equivalent standards.
Massage Therapist Requirements in Massachusetts
| Detail | Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Massachusetts Board of Registration of Massage Therapy |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 650-hour training program |
| Exam | Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265) |
| Application Fee | $225 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing Education | 3.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, provide two letters of reference, and have professional liability insurance of at least $1M per occurrence and $1M aggregate coverage. A background check (CORI Acknowledgement Form and fingerprinting) is also required. Continuing education must exceed a basic level of knowledge related to ethical obligations or laws and issues pertaining to human trafficking, specific to massage therapy practitioners. As of November 7, 2025, continuing education requirements will be 20 hours every two years, including 2 hours of in-person ethics and 1 hour on Massachusetts massage therapy laws and rules. Up to 6 hours can be online/home study, and the remaining hours must be live/in-person. Licensees must also attest to current CPR and AED certification at renewal. |
Source: Massachusetts Board of Registration of Massage Therapy
Massage Therapist Salary in Massachusetts
The median massage therapist salary in Massachusetts is $59,470 per year, which is 2.6% above the national median of $57,950.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $41,430 |
| 25th | $47,980 |
| 50th (median) | $59,470 |
| 75th | $77,820 |
| 90th (experienced) | $104,370 |
Massachusetts employs approximately 2,490 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 Massachusetts Worth It?
Factors to consider: Massachusetts's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.