Massage Therapist in Mississippi
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MS
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Mississippi
To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Mississippi, applicants must complete a board-approved massage education program of at least 700 hours, consisting of 600 hours of academic coursework and 100 hours of supervised student clinic. Candidates must pass both the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) and the Mississippi State Law Exam (MSLE). Additionally, applicants must be at least 18 years old, undergo a criminal background check, hold current CPR and First Aid certifications, and complete a course on communicable diseases. Reciprocity is available for those licensed in states with equivalent or higher standards and at least three years of experience, provided they pass the MSLE.
Massage Therapist Requirements in Mississippi
| Detail | Mississippi |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 700 hours of supervised, in-class education (600 hours academic coursework, 100 hours supervised student clinic) |
| Exam | Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) AND Mississippi State Law Exam (MSLE) ($365) |
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age 18. Requires a criminal background check (state and federal fingerprint-based), CPR and First Aid certification (8 hours of training, including practical testing), and an approved course on communicable diseases (including HIV/AIDS information and prevention). Professional liability insurance is required. |
Massage Therapist Salary in Mississippi
The median massage therapist salary in Mississippi is $42,510 per year, which is 26.6% below the national median of $57,950.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $26,080 |
| 25th | $30,410 |
| 50th (median) | $42,510 |
| 75th | $51,260 |
| 90th (experienced) | $123,060 |
Mississippi employs approximately 190 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 Mississippi Worth It?
Factors to consider: Mississippi's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.