Massage Therapist in Virginia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for VA
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Virginia
To become a Licensed Massage Therapist in Virginia, applicants must complete a minimum of 500 hours of training from a massage therapy program approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia or a comparable agency in another state. They must pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) and submit an online application with a fee of $140 to the Virginia Board of Nursing. Additionally, applicants must be at least 18 years old and undergo a criminal history background check with fingerprinting. Virginia offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state licensees and has adopted the Interstate Massage Compact, though a multistate license is not yet active.
Massage Therapist Requirements in Virginia
| Detail | Virginia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Virginia Board of Nursing |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 500-hour training program |
| Exam | Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265) |
| Application Fee | $140 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and complete a criminal history background check with fingerprinting. Virginia uses the term 'certification,' but it is a mandatory state-level requirement to practice and use the title 'Certified Massage Therapist.' Provisional licenses are available for eligible candidates awaiting examination results, valid for one 90-day period and non-renewable. A bill was introduced in February 2025 to increase education hours from 500 to 625. |
Source: Virginia Board of Nursing
Massage Therapist Salary in Virginia
The median massage therapist salary in Virginia is $56,850 per year, which is 1.9% below the national median of $57,950.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $35,930 |
| 25th | $46,750 |
| 50th (median) | $56,850 |
| 75th | $72,550 |
| 90th (experienced) | $120,590 |
Virginia employs approximately 2,150 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 Virginia Worth It?
Factors to consider: Virginia's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.