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 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Massage Therapist in North Carolina
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
Massage And Bodywork Therapists Engage In The Practice Of Massage And Bodywork Therapy To Any Person For A Fee.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- 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 (7)
- 1. Meet North Carolina eligibility requirements for Massage Therapist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Submit the application to NC Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
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 Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,298Median 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 | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $56,850 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $49,670 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1-18 years |
| Georgia | $56,740 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| South Carolina | $62,830 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies 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.
| 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
Official website verified
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 | Varies by board |
| Cosmetologist | $36,140 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Esthetician | $46,120 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Nail Technician | $34,810 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Massage Therapist in North Carolina?
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 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/.
How often do you renew a Massage Therapist license in North Carolina?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.