Massage Therapist in Tennessee
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for TN
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Tennessee
To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Tennessee, individuals must obtain a license from the Tennessee Board of Massage Licensure. Key steps include completing a minimum of a 650-hour massage education program, passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), and submitting an application with a fee of $280.00. Applicants must also be at least 18 years old, of good moral character, pass a criminal background check with fingerprinting, and hold a current CPR certification. Reciprocity is available for out-of-state licensees who meet Tennessee's requirements and complete a specific course on Tennessee massage statutes and regulations.
Massage Therapist Requirements in Tennessee
| Detail | Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Tennessee Board of Massage Licensure |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 650-hour training program |
| Exam | Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265) |
| Application Fee | $280 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Requires a background check and fingerprinting. Must be at least 18 years of age and of good moral character. Current CPR certification is also required. New licensees may have prorated CE hours. 2 of the 24 CE hours must be in Tennessee statutes and rules, and 2 hours must be in management of massage therapy practice, professional ethics, or substance abuse. A maximum of 8 CE hours can be completed via multimedia/online formats. |
Massage Therapist Salary in Tennessee
The median massage therapist salary in Tennessee is $49,670 per year, which is 14.3% below the national median of $57,950.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $35,480 |
| 25th | $39,380 |
| 50th (median) | $49,670 |
| 75th | $55,240 |
| 90th (experienced) | $61,150 |
Tennessee employs approximately 1,270 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 Tennessee Worth It?
Factors to consider: Tennessee's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.