Massage Therapist in Michigan
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MI
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Michigan
To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Michigan, individuals must complete a minimum of 625 hours of supervised training from a Michigan Board of Massage Therapy approved school and pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). Applicants must also undergo a criminal background check with fingerprinting, be at least 18 years old, and complete one-time training in identifying victims of human trafficking and implicit bias training. Michigan offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees whose qualifications meet or exceed Michigan's standards.
Massage Therapist Requirements in Michigan
| Detail | Michigan |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Michigan Board of Massage Therapy |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 625 hours of supervised curriculum from a Michigan Board of Massage Therapy approved school (500 hours if enrolled before August 1, 2017). The curriculum must include specific hours in massage/bodywork theory, technique, and assessment; body systems (kinesiology, anatomy, physiology); business and practice management; ethics; and pathology, plus 40 hours of supervised student clinic practice. |
| Exam | Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($195) |
| Application Fee | $270 |
| Renewal | Every 3.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 18.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Requires a criminal background check and fingerprinting. Must be at least 18 years of age. Also requires one-time training in identifying victims of human trafficking and implicit bias training (2 hours for initial licensure, 3 hours for renewal, and this does not count towards the 18 CE hours). English language proficiency and a Social Security Number are also required. |
Massage Therapist Salary in Michigan
The median massage therapist salary in Michigan is $54,510 per year, which is 5.9% below the national median of $57,950.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $33,910 |
| 25th | $46,480 |
| 50th (median) | $54,510 |
| 75th | $73,100 |
| 90th (experienced) | $85,070 |
Michigan employs approximately 2,060 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 Michigan Worth It?
Factors to consider: Michigan's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.