Massage Therapist in Washington
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WA
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Washington
To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Washington, applicants must be at least 18 years old and complete a minimum of 625 hours of massage therapy training from a Washington State Board of Massage approved program (for programs started on or after September 1, 2021). Key steps include passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), a jurisprudence exam, undergoing a fingerprint-based background check, and having current CPR and first aid certifications, along with 4 hours of HIV/AIDS training. Washington offers licensure by endorsement for those licensed in states with substantially equivalent requirements, provided they pass the Washington jurisprudence exam.
Massage Therapist Requirements in Washington
| Detail | Washington |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Washington State Department of Health |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 625-hour training program (for programs started on or after September 1, 2021) |
| Exam | Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265) |
| Application Fee | $226 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing Education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age 18. Requires a jurisprudence exam, a background check (including fingerprinting), current CPR and first aid certification, and 4 hours of HIV/AIDS training. CE hours are due every two years, even though the license is renewed annually. A minimum of 8 hours of CE must be in direct, hands-on massage therapy techniques, and 4 hours in professional ethics, communication, or Washington state massage laws and regulations (2 of these 4 hours must include professional roles and boundaries). Two hours of health equity (implicit bias) training are required every four years. CPR courses must be in-person. |
Massage Therapist Salary in Washington
The median massage therapist salary in Washington is $82,820 per year, which is 42.9% above the national median of $57,950.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $59,160 |
| 25th | $72,210 |
| 50th (median) | $82,820 |
| 75th | $97,720 |
| 90th (experienced) | $115,920 |
Washington employs approximately 3,590 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 Washington Worth It?
Factors to consider: Washington's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.