Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AL Board of Personal Care
Massage Therapist Licensing in Alabama
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for massage therapist in Alabama, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Massage Therapist in Alabama
Estimated timeline: 1-19 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Varies by state board.
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 3
This applicant should be at least 19 years of age and be a citizen of the United States
- Must have successfully completed a minimum of 650 hours from an accredited massage therapy school and be certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
- Applicants must pass the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork examination.
- 4
Must provide certified transcripts and verification of their national certification
- Must produce evidence of a $1,000,000 Personal Liability Insurance coverage, or hold a license in another state where the standards of practice or licensure are equal to or more-strict than the State of Alabama.
- 5
Every massage therapist licensed in Alabama shall be required to complete 16 hours of continuing education as a condition for renewing his or her license.
Exam and processing details
- National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
- Applicants must pass the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork examination
Continuing education and program notes
- certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
- Applicants must pass the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork examina
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Alabama Board of Massage Therapy
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$48,960 median (16% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#41 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (This applicant should be at least 19 years of age and be a citizen of the United States; Must have successfully completed a minimum of 65...).
- 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
- 3. Document required supervised experience (This applicant should be at least 19 years of age and be a citizen of the United States; Must have successfully completed a minimum of 65...).
- 4. Pass required examination steps: National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork; Applicants must pass the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork examination.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (Must provide certified transcripts and verification of their national certification; Must produce evidence of a $1,000,000 Personal Liabi...).
- 6. Submit the application to Alabama Board of Massage Therapy and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Alabama
With a median salary of $48,960, Massage Therapists in Alabama earn 16% below the national median of $57,950. Alabama ranks #41 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-19 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.9%Average Weekly Wage
$1,201Median annual salary
$48,960Hourly estimate
$23.5416% below national median
Difference: -$8,990
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMassage Therapist Salary Ranking
#41 of 50 statesfor Massage Therapist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | $135,200 |
| #2 | Vermont | $105,490 |
| #3 | Oregon | $82,860 |
| #4 | Washington | $82,820 |
| #5 | Hawaii | $80,590 |
Nearby States Comparison
Massage Therapist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $48,960 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-19 years |
| Tennessee | $49,670 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1-18 years |
| Georgia | $56,740 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Florida | $49,880 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $42,510 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 1 month |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 33 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Florida | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Alabama Board of Massage Therapy
2777 Zelda Rd, Montgomery, AL, 36106
Phone: 3344207233
Related Careers in Alabama
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barber | $27,850 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Cosmetologist | $29,660 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Esthetician | $35,710 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Nail Technician | $27,980 | Degree required | 19 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Massage Therapist in Alabama?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-19 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Massage Therapist salary in Alabama?
The median annual salary for Massage Therapists in Alabama is $48,960. Salaries range from $24,930 (10th percentile) to $89,750 (90th percentile).
How does the Massage Therapist salary in Alabama compare to the national average?
Massage Therapists in Alabama earn 16% below the national median of $57,950, with a state median of $48,960.
How many Massage Therapists work in Alabama?
Alabama employs approximately 510 Massage Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Massage Therapist license to Alabama from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Massage Therapists in Alabama?
The licensing agency is Alabama Board of Massage Therapy. Review agency details at https://www.almtbd.alabama.gov/.
How often do you renew a Massage Therapist license in Alabama?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.