Massage Therapist in Ohio
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for OH
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Ohio
To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Ohio, individuals must complete a minimum of 750 hours of education from a State Medical Board of Ohio approved program, which typically takes at least 9 months. Applicants must pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) and submit an application with a $150 fee to the State Medical Board of Ohio. Additionally, candidates must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, provide proof of CPR certification, and undergo BCI and FBI criminal records checks. Ohio offers reciprocity for licensed massage therapists from other states or Canada who meet specific educational and experience requirements.
Massage Therapist Requirements in Ohio
| Detail | Ohio |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | The State Medical Board of Ohio |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 750 hours of education from a State Medical Board of Ohio approved program (or 600 hours if enrolled before December 31, 2005, and 12 months in duration) |
| Exam | Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265) |
| Application Fee | $150 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Minimum age 18. Requires a BCI and FBI criminal records check. Must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Must provide proof of completing a CPR course. |
Source: The State Medical Board of Ohio
Massage Therapist Salary in Ohio
The median massage therapist salary in Ohio is $50,430 per year, which is 13.0% below the national median of $57,950.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $35,610 |
| 25th | $45,620 |
| 50th (median) | $50,430 |
| 75th | $58,640 |
| 90th (experienced) | $65,820 |
Ohio employs approximately 2,480 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 Ohio Worth It?
Factors to consider: Ohio's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.