Massage Therapist in North Carolina
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NC
How to Become a Massage Therapist in North Carolina
To become a Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist in North Carolina, applicants must complete a minimum of 650 hours of supervised classroom instruction from a board-approved school and pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). Additionally, applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, undergo a criminal background check, and pass a jurisprudence learning exercise. North Carolina does not offer reciprocity with other states but provides a pathway for licensure by endorsement.
Massage Therapist Requirements in North Carolina
| Detail | North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 650-hour training program |
| Exam | Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265) |
| Application Fee | $170 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Requires applicant to be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, submit four moral character forms, complete a State Bureau Criminal History Record Check with fingerprinting, and pass a jurisprudence learning exercise. An additional $20 application request fee is required. |
Source: North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy
Massage Therapist Salary in North Carolina
The median massage therapist salary in North Carolina is $61,670 per year, which is 6.4% above the national median of $57,950.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $30,580 |
| 25th | $51,360 |
| 50th (median) | $61,670 |
| 75th | $82,360 |
| 90th (experienced) | $92,400 |
North Carolina employs approximately 2,750 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 North Carolina Worth It?
Factors to consider: North Carolina's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.