Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Personal Care
Massage Therapist Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for massage therapist in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Background Check: Specific type of conviction prohibited
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$49,670 median (14% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#40 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 Tennessee
With a median salary of 49,670, Massage Therapists in Tennessee earn 14% below the national median of $57,950. Tennessee ranks #40 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$49,670Hourly estimate
$23.8814% below national median
Difference: -$8,280
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMassage Therapist Salary Ranking
#40 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $49,670 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $54,890 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Virginia | $56,850 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| North Carolina | $61,670 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Georgia | $56,740 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Alabama | $48,960 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Mississippi | $42,510 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Arkansas | $31,280 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $66,870 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 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. |
| North Carolina | 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. |
| Alabama | 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
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
665 Mainstream Drive 2nd floor, Nashville, TN, 37243
Phone: 6155323202
Agency website was unavailable in source data, using official search fallback.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barber | $31,230 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Cosmetologist | $29,170 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Esthetician | $36,090 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Nail Technician | $30,030 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Massage Therapist in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee?
Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
The board typically expects Degree required for Massage Therapist licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Massage Therapist salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Massage Therapists in Tennessee is 49,670. Salaries range from $35,480 (10th percentile) to $61,150 (90th percentile).
How does the Massage Therapist salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Massage Therapists in Tennessee earn 14% below the national median of $57,950, with a state median of 49,670.
How many Massage Therapists work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 1,270 Massage Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Massage Therapist license to Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Health / Division of Health Related Boards / Division of Health Related Boards.