Massage Therapist in Minnesota
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MN
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Minnesota
To become a massage therapist in Minnesota, individuals must navigate licensing requirements set by individual cities and counties, as there is no statewide license. Aspiring therapists generally need to complete a minimum of 500 hours of therapeutic massage training from an accredited institution or pass a national certification exam like the MBLEx. Application fees, renewal cycles, and specific prerequisites, including background checks and liability insurance, vary depending on the municipality where one intends to practice.
Massage Therapist Requirements in Minnesota
| Detail | Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Varies by municipality (no statewide licensing body) |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | Minimum of 500 hours of certified therapeutic massage training from an accredited institution or program, OR passing results of the MBLEx, NCETM, or NCETMB, OR Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (BCTMB). Specific requirements vary by municipality. |
| Exam | Varies by municipality; MBLEx, NCETM, or NCETMB may be accepted. ($265) |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Notes | Minnesota does not have a statewide licensing requirement for massage therapists. Licensing is handled at the individual city or county level. Requirements, fees, and renewal cycles vary significantly by municipality. Many municipalities require a background check and proof of liability insurance. Minimum age is generally 18 years old. The Minnesota Department of Health's Office of Unlicensed Complementary and Alternative Health Care Practice investigates complaints against unlicensed complementary and alternative care practitioners, including massage therapists, and requires them to provide clients with a bill of rights. |
Source: Varies by municipality (no statewide licensing body)
Massage Therapist Salary in Minnesota
The median massage therapist salary in Minnesota is $75,500 per year, which is 30.3% above the national median of $57,950.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $39,990 |
| 25th | $50,550 |
| 50th (median) | $75,500 |
| 75th | $84,910 |
| 90th (experienced) | $95,840 |
Minnesota employs approximately 1,440 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 Minnesota Worth It?
Factors to consider: Minnesota's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.