Massage Therapist in Texas
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for TX
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Texas
To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Texas, individuals must complete a minimum of 500 hours of massage therapy education from a TDLR-licensed school or an accredited out-of-state program. Applicants must pass either the national Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) along with the Texas Jurisprudence Exam, or the Texas State Massage Therapist Exam. Additionally, all applicants must be at least 18 years old, submit a license application with a fee, and undergo a fingerprint-based background check. Texas also offers a pathway for licensure by endorsement for those licensed in other states, provided they meet the educational and examination requirements.
Massage Therapist Requirements in Texas
| Detail | Texas |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 500-hour training program |
| Exam | Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) AND Texas Jurisprudence Exam OR Texas State Massage Therapist Exam ($265) |
| Application Fee | $100 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 12.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age 18. Requires fingerprinting for a background check. Must also complete a Texas Health and Human Services approved course on Human Trafficking, which does not count toward the 12 CE hours. |
Massage Therapist Salary in Texas
The median massage therapist salary in Texas is $56,540 per year, which is 2.4% below the national median of $57,950.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $29,500 |
| 25th | $45,880 |
| 50th (median) | $56,540 |
| 75th | $61,820 |
| 90th (experienced) | $85,160 |
Texas employs approximately 7,780 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 Texas Worth It?
Factors to consider: Texas's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.