Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NC Board of Personal Care
Massage Therapist Licensing in North Carolina
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for massage therapist in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina
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: No experience required
- Background Check: Background check required
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NC Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$61,670 median (6% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#14 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 North Carolina
With a median salary of 61,670, Massage Therapists in North Carolina earn 6% above the national median of $57,950. North Carolina ranks #14 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$61,670Hourly estimate
$29.656% above national median
Difference: +$3,720
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMassage Therapist Salary Ranking
#14 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $61,670 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Virginia | $56,850 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $49,670 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Georgia | $56,740 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| South Carolina | $62,830 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 33 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| South Carolina | 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
NC Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy
4140 ParkLake Avenue, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC, 27612
Phone: 9195460050ext0
Related Careers in North Carolina
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barber | $64,290 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Cosmetologist | $36,140 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Esthetician | $46,120 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Nail Technician | $34,810 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Massage Therapist in North Carolina?
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 North Carolina?
North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Massage Therapist licensure in North Carolina.
What is the typical Massage Therapist salary in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Massage Therapists in North Carolina is 61,670. Salaries range from $30,580 (10th percentile) to $92,400 (90th percentile).
How does the Massage Therapist salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
Massage Therapists in North Carolina earn 6% above the national median of $57,950, with a state median of 61,670.
How many Massage Therapists work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 2,750 Massage Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Massage Therapist license to North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
The licensing agency is NC Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy. Review agency details at https://www.bmbt.org/.