Massage Therapist in South Carolina
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for SC
How to Become a Massage Therapist in South Carolina
To become a licensed Massage Therapist in South Carolina, applicants must complete a massage therapy education program of at least 650 hours from an approved school (effective May 26, 2024; 500 hours accepted prior to this date). They must pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) and submit a completed application with a fee to the South Carolina Board of Massage/Bodywork Therapy. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and undergo a criminal background check. South Carolina offers reciprocity for licensees from states with equivalent or higher standards.
Massage Therapist Requirements in South Carolina
| Detail | South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | South Carolina Board of Massage/Bodywork Therapy |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 650-hour training program (effective May 26, 2024; 500 hours accepted prior to this date) |
| Exam | Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB) (NCETMB is no longer offered, only applies to those who previously took it) ($265) |
| Application Fee | $150 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 12.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age 18. Requires a high school diploma or GED. Requires a background check with fingerprinting (repeated every 2 years upon renewal). Must verify current CPR certification. English language proficiency may be required. |
Massage Therapist Salary in South Carolina
The median massage therapist salary in South Carolina is $62,830 per year, which is 8.4% above the national median of $57,950.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $17,870 |
| 25th | $47,350 |
| 50th (median) | $62,830 |
| 75th | $77,930 |
| 90th (experienced) | $98,550 |
South Carolina employs approximately 1,500 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 South Carolina Worth It?
Factors to consider: South Carolina's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.