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Massage Therapist Licensing in Ohio

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

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    Certification: Certification required.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    Please refer to the licensing authority or the Ohio Career Information System (OCIS) at (800) 700-6247 for more information on license requirements.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • No continuing education requirement to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    State Medical Board of Ohio

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $50,430 median (13% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #38 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Ohio eligibility requirements for Massage Therapist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to State Medical Board of Ohio and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Ohio

With a median salary of $50,430, Massage Therapists in Ohio earn 13% below the national median of $57,950. Ohio ranks #38 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+1.9%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,256

Median annual salary

$50,430

Hourly estimate

$24.25
13% below national median

Difference: -$7,520

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$35,610
  • P2525th percentile$45,620
  • P50Median$50,430
  • P7575th percentile$58,640
  • P9090th percentile$65,820

State vs National Median

State: $50,430
National: $57,950

Total employment: 2,480 | Annual openings: N/A

Massage Therapist Salary Ranking

#38 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
Ohio$50,430Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Michigan$54,510Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Pennsylvania$57,660Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
West Virginia$42,730Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$54,890Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Indiana$52,740Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Ohio54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Michigan50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Pennsylvania50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
West Virginia50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Indiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

State Medical Board of Ohio

30 E. Broad Street, 3rd Floor, Columbus, OH, 43215

Phone: 6144663934

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Related Careers in Ohio

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Barber$46,930Specific course requiredVaries by board
Cosmetologist$29,440Specific course requiredVaries by board
Esthetician$41,660Degree requiredVaries by board
Nail Technician$35,900Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 Ohio?

Ohio 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 Ohio?

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

What is the typical Massage Therapist salary in Ohio?

The median annual salary for Massage Therapists in Ohio is $50,430. Salaries range from $35,610 (10th percentile) to $65,820 (90th percentile).

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

Massage Therapists in Ohio earn 13% below the national median of $57,950, with a state median of $50,430.

How many Massage Therapists work in Ohio?

Ohio employs approximately 2,480 Massage Therapists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Massage Therapist license to Ohio from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement 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 Ohio?

The licensing agency is State Medical Board of Ohio. Review agency details at https://www.med.ohio.gov/.

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

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