Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Personal Care
Massage Therapist Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for massage therapist in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Both state and third-party exams requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Massage Therapist in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: 3 monthsCore Requirements
- 1
Must complete a massage therapy program of at least 500 hours of in-classroom coursework from a Department approved massage therapy school or State approved education institution.
- Must provide a copy of Massage School Diploma and Massage School Transcript. 2.
- Must be eighteen years of age or older. 3.
- Must provide a valid Photo ID. 4.
- Must provide a copy of social security card. 5.
- Must have a high school diploma or graduate equivalency diploma. 6.
- Must provide National Test Score – Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), or National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMP) Exam Score Report. 7.
- Must be free of infectious tuberculosis or a condition that could pose a health risk to the public. 8.
- Must complete an Arkansas Criminal Background Check and FBI Criminal Background Check. 9.
- Must pass the Arkansas Massage Therapy Law examination.
- Written Examination required.
- Application
- 2
Must complete a massage therapy program of at least 500 hours of in-classroom coursework from a Department approved massage therapy school or State approved education institution.
- Must provide a copy of Massage School Diploma and Massage School Transcript. 2.
- Must be eighteen years of age or older. 3.
- Must provide a valid Photo ID. 4.
- Must provide a copy of social security card. 5.
- Must have a high school diploma or graduate equivalency diploma. 6.
- Must provide National Test Score – Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), or National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMP) Exam Score Report. 7.
- Must be free of infectious tuberculosis or a condition that could pose a health risk to the public. 8.
- Must complete an Arkansas Criminal Background Check and FBI Criminal Background Check. 9.
- Must pass the Arkansas Massage Therapy Law examination.
- Written Examination required.
- Application fee: $75.00, License fee: $80.00, Testing (AR Law Exam): $25.00, Criminal Background Check: $38.25
- 3
Education: Specific course required.
- 4
Experience: No experience required.
- 5
Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.
- 6
Physical Requirement: Physical exam required.
- 7
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 8
"Massage therapy" also means to engage in the practice of any of the following procedures: a) Massage therapy techniques and procedures, either hands-on or with mechanical devices
- b) Therapeutic application and use of oils, herbal or chemical preparations, lubricants, nonprescription creams, lotions, scrubs, powders, and other spa services
- c) Therapeutic application of hot or cold packs
- d) Hydrotherapy techniques
- e) Heliotherapy, which may include mechanical devices, heat lamps, and other devices
- f) Electrotherapy
- g) Any hands-on bodywork techniques and procedures rising to the level of the techniques and procedures intended to be regulated and not covered under specific licensing laws of other boards.
- 9
Must complete a massage therapy program of at least 500 hours of in-classroom coursework from a Department approved massage therapy school or State approved education institution.
- 10
Must provide National Test Score – Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), or National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMP) Exam Score Report.
- 11
Must complete an Arkansas Criminal Background Check and FBI Criminal Background Check.
- 12
Must pass the Arkansas Massage Therapy Law examination.
- 13
Written Examination required.
Exam and processing details
- National Test Score – Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), or National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMP) Exam Score Report
Continuing education and program notes
- Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMP) Exam Score Report
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Testing (AR Law Exam) | $25.00 |
| Criminal Background Check | $38.25 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Health • Cosmetology and Massage Therapy Section • Board of Health
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$31,280 median (46% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#50 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (8)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must complete a massage therapy program of at least 500 hours of in-classroom coursework from a Department approved massage therapy schoo...; Must complete a massage therapy program of at least 500 hours of in-classroom coursework from a Department approved massage therapy schoo...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Both state and third-party exams required National Test Score – Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), or National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMP) Exam Score Report.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Felony convictions prohibited; Must complete a massage therapy program of at least 500 hours of in-classroom coursework from a Department approved massage therapy schoo...; Must complete a massage therapy program of at least 500 hours of in-classroom coursework from a Department approved massage therapy schoo...).
- 6. Budget filing costs (Testing (AR Law Exam): $25.00; Criminal Background Check: $38.25).
- 7. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Health~Cosmetology and Massage Therapy Section~Board of Health and monitor board communications.
- 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $31,280, Massage Therapists in Arkansas earn 46% below the national median of $57,950. Arkansas ranks #50 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 3 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$31,280Hourly estimate
$15.0446% below national median
Difference: -$26,670
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMassage Therapist Salary Ranking
#50 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $31,280 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | 3 months |
| Missouri | $66,870 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| Tennessee | $49,670 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1-18 years |
| Mississippi | $42,510 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 1 month |
| Louisiana | $58,010 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $56,540 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $48,140 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 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. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Arkansas Department of Health • Cosmetology and Massage Therapy Section • Board of Health
4815 West Markham Street, Slot 8, Little Rock, AR, 72205
Phone: 5016831448
Related Careers in Arkansas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barber | $24,700 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Cosmetologist | $26,450 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Esthetician | $37,250 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Nail Technician | $27,780 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Massage Therapist in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 3 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Massage Therapists in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Massage Therapists.
What education do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Massage Therapist licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Massage Therapist salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Massage Therapists in Arkansas is $31,280. Salaries range from $23,040 (10th percentile) to $63,430 (90th percentile).
How does the Massage Therapist salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Massage Therapists in Arkansas earn 46% below the national median of $57,950, with a state median of $31,280.
How many Massage Therapists work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 320 Massage Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Massage Therapist license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Massage Therapists in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Health / Cosmetology and Massage Therapy Section / Board of Health. Review agency details at http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/contact-us.
How often do you renew a Massage Therapist license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.