Massage Therapist in Montana

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MT

Median Salary
$52,000
Montana (2024)
National Median
$57,950
All states
License Fees
$440
Exam + application
Time to Complete
6-12 months
From start to licensed

How to Become a Massage Therapist in Montana

To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Montana, applicants must register with the Montana Board of Massage Therapy. Key steps include completing a minimum of 500 hours of in-class supervised instruction from an approved massage therapy program and passing either the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or the NCETMB/NCETM credentialing exam. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and be of good moral character. Montana offers reciprocity to those licensed in other states with equivalent or greater requirements.

Massage Therapist Requirements in Montana

DetailMontana
Licensing BodyMontana Board of Massage Therapy
State License Required Yes
Education500-hour training program
Exam Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or NCETMB/NCETM ($265)
Application Fee$175
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing Education12.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age 18. Must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Must be of good moral character. Requires a background investigation.

Source: Montana Board of Massage Therapy

Massage Therapist Salary in Montana

The median massage therapist salary in Montana is $52,000 per year, which is 10.3% below the national median of $57,950.

PercentileAnnual Salary
10th (entry level)$26,590
25th$36,080
50th (median)$52,000
75th$80,520
90th (experienced)$87,870

Montana employs approximately 280 massage therapists.

Massage Therapist Job Outlook

10-Year Growth
+15.4%
Much faster than average
Annual Openings
24.7
Nationwide per year
Total Employment
168
Nationwide

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 Montana Worth It?

Factors to consider: Montana's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a massage therapist in Montana?
In Montana, becoming a massage therapist requires you to complete the required education (500-hour training program), pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or NCETMB/NCETM, and submit your application ($175 fee).
Is a massage therapist license required in Montana?
Yes, Montana requires a state license to practice as a massage therapist. The licensing body is Montana Board of Massage Therapy. You must pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or NCETMB/NCETM.
How much do massage therapists make in Montana?
The median massage therapist salary in Montana is $52,000 per year. This trails the $57,950 national median by 10%. Wages range from $26,590 (10th percentile) up to $87,870 (90th percentile).
What are the fees to become a massage therapist in Montana?
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($265) and application fee ($175) plus your education and training.
What's the timeline to become a massage therapist in Montana?
In Montana, becoming a massage therapist generally takes 6-12 months, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.
What are the continuing education requirements for massage therapists in Montana?
License renewal in Montana requires completing 12.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.

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