Massage Therapist in Rhode Island
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for RI
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Rhode Island
To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Rhode Island, applicants must obtain a license from the Rhode Island Department of Health. As of January 1, 2026, this requires completing an 800-hour, in-class, hands-on training program and passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). Additionally, applicants must be at least 18 years old, pass a criminal background check, and hold current CPR and First Aid certifications. Rhode Island offers reciprocity for licensees from states with equivalent or greater requirements.
Massage Therapist Requirements in Rhode Island
| Detail | Rhode Island |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Rhode Island Department of Health |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 800 hours of in-class, hands-on coursework and clinical work (effective January 1, 2026) |
| Exam | Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265) |
| Application Fee | $65 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age 18. Requires a criminal background check including fingerprinting. Must have current CPR and First Aid certification. Online courses are not recognized. |
Massage Therapist Salary in Rhode Island
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|
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.