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Verified by MO Board of Personal Care

Massage Therapist Licensing in Missouri

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for massage therapist in Missouri, 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 Missouri

Estimated timeline: 18 years

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

    An applicant for licensure shall

    • be at least 18 years of age, be of good moral character, pay fees, and submit evidence of having completed a statistically valid examination approved by the board or has complete a program of massage therapy studies app.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Missouri State Board of Therapeutic Massage

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $66,870 median (15% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #10 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (An applicant for licensure shall; be at least 18 years of age, be of good moral character, pay fees, and submit evidence of having comple...).
  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 Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance~Division Of Professional Registration~Missouri State Board of Therapeutic Massage and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Missouri

With a median salary of $66,870, Massage Therapists in Missouri earn 15% above the national median of $57,950. Missouri ranks #10 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 18 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,232

Median annual salary

$66,870

Hourly estimate

$32.15
15% above national median

Difference: +$8,920

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$39,890
  • P2525th percentile$48,360
  • P50Median$66,870
  • P7575th percentile$91,580
  • P9090th percentile$98,540

State vs National Median

State: $66,870
National: $57,950

Total employment: 1,280 | Annual openings: N/A

Massage Therapist Salary Ranking

#10 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
Missouri$66,870Specific course requiredThird-party exam required18 years
Iowa$62,400Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$60,640Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Kentucky$54,890Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$49,670Degree requiredThird-party exam required1-18 years
Arkansas$31,280Specific course requiredBoth state and third-party exams required3 months
Oklahoma$48,140Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kansas$47,940Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$55,080Varies by state boardState-approved exam1-19 years

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
Missouri50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Iowa50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Illinois78HighBoard-specific review required.
Kentucky50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arkansas50LowState-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

Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Missouri State Board of Therapeutic Massage

3605 Missouri Boulevard, P.O. Box 1335, Jefferson City, MO, 65102-1335

Phone: 5735226277ext8007352966

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Missouri

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Barber$44,390Degree requiredVaries by board
Cosmetologist$30,390Degree requiredVaries by board
Esthetician$49,410Specific course requiredVaries by board
Nail Technician$38,950Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Massage Therapists in Missouri?

Missouri 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 Missouri?

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

What is the typical Massage Therapist salary in Missouri?

The median annual salary for Massage Therapists in Missouri is $66,870. Salaries range from $39,890 (10th percentile) to $98,540 (90th percentile).

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

Massage Therapists in Missouri earn 15% above the national median of $57,950, with a state median of $66,870.

How many Massage Therapists work in Missouri?

Missouri employs approximately 1,280 Massage Therapists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Massage Therapist license to Missouri 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 Missouri?

The licensing agency is Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance / Division Of Professional Registration / Missouri State Board of Therapeutic Massage. Review agency details at http://pr.mo.gov/massage.asp.

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

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