Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IA Board of Personal Care
Massage Therapist Licensing in Iowa
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for massage therapist in Iowa, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Massage Therapist in Iowa
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Certification: Certification required.
- 5
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals • Board of Behavioral Science
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$62,400 median (8% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#13 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Massage Therapist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Submit the application to Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals~Board of Behavioral Science and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Iowa
With a median salary of $62,400, Massage Therapists in Iowa earn 8% above the national median of $57,950. Iowa ranks #13 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,154Median annual salary
$62,400Hourly estimate
$30.008% above national median
Difference: +$4,450
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMassage Therapist Salary Ranking
#13 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $62,400 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $75,500 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $57,530 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $60,640 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $66,870 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| Nebraska | $55,080 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-19 years |
| South Dakota | $40,780 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wisconsin | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review 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
Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals • Board of Behavioral Science
6200 Park Avenue Des Moines, IA 50321, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA, 50319
Phone: 5152425938
Related Careers in Iowa
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barber | $78,480 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Cosmetologist | $37,850 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Esthetician | $44,400 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Nail Technician | $38,530 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Massage Therapist in Iowa?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Massage Therapists in Iowa?
Iowa lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Massage Therapists.
What education do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Iowa?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Massage Therapist licensure in Iowa.
What is the typical Massage Therapist salary in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Massage Therapists in Iowa is $62,400. Salaries range from $41,840 (10th percentile) to $91,350 (90th percentile).
How does the Massage Therapist salary in Iowa compare to the national average?
Massage Therapists in Iowa earn 8% above the national median of $57,950, with a state median of $62,400.
How many Massage Therapists work in Iowa?
Iowa employs approximately 700 Massage Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Massage Therapist license to Iowa 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 Iowa?
The licensing agency is Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals / Board of Behavioral Science. Review agency details at https://dial.iowa.gov/about/boards/behavioral-science.
How often do you renew a Massage Therapist license in Iowa?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.