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Verified by MA Board of Personal Care

Massage Therapist Licensing in Massachusetts

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for massage therapist in Massachusetts, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Massage Therapist in Massachusetts

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    It also works to maintain the educational standards of the profession by directing curricula, licensing schools, and establishing continuing education requirements.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • continuing education requirements

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Board of Registration of Massage Therapy

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $59,470 median (3% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #19 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Massachusetts eligibility requirements for Massage Therapist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Board of Registration of Massage Therapy and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Massachusetts

With a median salary of $59,470, Massage Therapists in Massachusetts earn 3% above the national median of $57,950. Massachusetts ranks #19 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,805

Median annual salary

$59,470

Hourly estimate

$28.59
3% above national median

Difference: +$1,520

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$41,430
  • P2525th percentile$47,980
  • P50Median$59,470
  • P7575th percentile$77,820
  • P9090th percentile$104,370

State vs National Median

State: $59,470
National: $57,950

Total employment: 2,490 | Annual openings: N/A

Massage Therapist Salary Ranking

#19 of 50 statesfor Massage Therapist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Alaska$135,200
#2Vermont$105,490
#3Oregon$82,860
#4Washington$82,820
#5Hawaii$80,590

Nearby States Comparison

Massage Therapist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Massachusetts$59,470Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
New Hampshire$62,830Specific course requiredThird-party exam required1-18 years
Vermont$105,490No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
New York$58,730Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Connecticut$59,270Specific course requiredThird-party exam required1 month
Rhode Island$57,950Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Massachusetts50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New Hampshire50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Vermont54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New York50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Connecticut68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Rhode Island50LowState-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

Agency website unverified

Board of Registration of Massage Therapy

1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA, 02114

Phone: 6177271747

Website Pending VerificationCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Massachusetts

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Barber$48,990Degree requiredVaries by board
Cosmetologist$47,740Degree requiredVaries by board
Esthetician$45,600Specific course requiredVaries by board
Nail Technician$34,180Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Massage Therapist in Massachusetts?

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 Massachusetts?

Massachusetts lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Massage Therapists.

What education do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Massachusetts?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Massage Therapist licensure in Massachusetts.

What is the typical Massage Therapist salary in Massachusetts?

The median annual salary for Massage Therapists in Massachusetts is $59,470. Salaries range from $41,430 (10th percentile) to $104,370 (90th percentile).

How does the Massage Therapist salary in Massachusetts compare to the national average?

Massage Therapists in Massachusetts earn 3% above the national median of $57,950, with a state median of $59,470.

How many Massage Therapists work in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts employs approximately 2,490 Massage Therapists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Massage Therapist license to Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?

The licensing agency is Board of Registration of Massage Therapy. The official board website is currently under manual verification.

How often do you renew a Massage Therapist license in Massachusetts?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.