Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NJ Board of Personal Care
Massage Therapist Licensing in New Jersey
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for massage therapist in New Jersey, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Massage Therapist in New Jersey
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore 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
- Licensing Authority
Dept. of Law and Public Safety • Division of Consumer Affairs • Massage, Bodywork and Somatic Therapy Examining Committee
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$56,760 median (2% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#28 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in New Jersey
With a median salary of 56,760, Massage Therapists in New Jersey earn 2% below the national median of $57,950. New Jersey ranks #28 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$56,760Hourly estimate
$27.292% below national median
Difference: -$1,190
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMassage Therapist Salary Ranking
#28 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $56,760 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| New York | $58,730 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Pennsylvania | $57,660 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Delaware | $53,920 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Pennsylvania | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 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
Dept. of Law and Public Safety • Division of Consumer Affairs • Massage, Bodywork and Somatic Therapy Examining Committee
PO Box 47032, Newark, NJ, 7101
Phone: 9735046520
Related Careers in New Jersey
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barber | $49,360 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Cosmetologist | $44,110 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Esthetician | $46,130 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Nail Technician | $31,470 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Massage Therapist in New Jersey?
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 New Jersey?
New Jersey 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 New Jersey?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Massage Therapist licensure in New Jersey.
What is the typical Massage Therapist salary in New Jersey?
The median annual salary for Massage Therapists in New Jersey is 56,760. Salaries range from $41,890 (10th percentile) to $96,650 (90th percentile).
How does the Massage Therapist salary in New Jersey compare to the national average?
Massage Therapists in New Jersey earn 2% below the national median of $57,950, with a state median of 56,760.
How many Massage Therapists work in New Jersey?
New Jersey employs approximately 2,430 Massage Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Massage Therapist license to New Jersey 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 New Jersey?
The licensing agency is Dept. of Law and Public Safety / Division of Consumer Affairs / Massage, Bodywork and Somatic Therapy Examining Committee. Review agency details at http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/mbt/.