Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Personal Care
Massage Therapist Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for massage therapist in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Massage Therapy Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$57,660 median (1% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#25 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for Massage Therapist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Massage Therapy Board and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of $57,660, Massage Therapists in Pennsylvania earn 1% below the national median of $57,950. Pennsylvania ranks #25 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,364Median annual salary
$57,660Hourly estimate
$27.721% below national median
Difference: -$290
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMassage Therapist Salary Ranking
#25 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $57,660 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $58,730 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $56,760 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $53,920 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $58,390 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $42,730 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $50,430 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 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. |
| New Jersey | 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. |
| Maryland | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| West Virginia | 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
Official website verified
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Massage Therapy Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 7177837155
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barber | $42,570 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Cosmetologist | $29,680 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Esthetician | $43,920 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Massage Therapist in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects Degree required for Massage Therapist licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical Massage Therapist salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Massage Therapists in Pennsylvania is $57,660. Salaries range from $27,820 (10th percentile) to $91,140 (90th percentile).
How does the Massage Therapist salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Massage Therapists in Pennsylvania earn 1% below the national median of $57,950, with a state median of $57,660.
How many Massage Therapists work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 2,700 Massage Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Massage Therapist license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Massage Therapy Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/MassageTherapy/Pages/default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Massage Therapist license in Pennsylvania?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.