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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 12, 2026

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: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Specific course required
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: Work experience required
  • Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

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 (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

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 6-24 months.

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
#1Alaska135,200
#2Vermont105,490
#3Oregon82,860
#4Washington82,820
#5Hawaii80,590

Nearby States Comparison

Massage Therapist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Massachusetts$59,470Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
New Hampshire$62,830Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Vermont$105,490No educational requirementsNo exam required6-24 months
New York$58,730Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Connecticut$59,270Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Rhode Island$57,950Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months

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

Board of Registration of Massage Therapy

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

Phone: 6177271747

Related Careers in Massachusetts

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Barber$48,990Degree required6-24 months
Cosmetologist$47,740Degree required6-24 months
Esthetician$45,600Specific course required6-24 months
Nail Technician$34,180Specific course required6-24 months

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, 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.