Application Fee
See agencyVerified by WV Board of Personal Care
Massage Therapist Licensing in West Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for massage therapist in West Virginia, 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 West Virginia
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
Your license or license renewal.
- 6
License.
- 7
Virginia, you must apply for the Two Year License.
- 8
Renewal.
- 9
Of West Virginia, you need to apply for a renewal in order to keep.
- 10
Your license current.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
MASSAGE THERAPY
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$42,730 median (26% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#46 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet West Virginia eligibility requirements for Massage Therapist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course 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 MASSAGE THERAPY and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in West Virginia
With a median salary of $42,730, Massage Therapists in West Virginia earn 26% below the national median of $57,950. West Virginia ranks #46 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,167Median annual salary
$42,730Hourly estimate
$20.5426% below national median
Difference: -$15,220
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMassage Therapist Salary Ranking
#46 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | $42,730 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Pennsylvania | $57,660 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $58,390 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $56,850 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $54,890 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Pennsylvania | 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. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | 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. |
| Ohio | 54 | 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
MASSAGE THERAPY
See official licensing board website
Phone: 3045581060
Related Careers in West Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barber | $34,360 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Cosmetologist | $31,150 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Esthetician | $37,750 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Nail Technician | $36,020 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Massage Therapist in West Virginia?
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 West Virginia?
West Virginia 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 West Virginia?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Massage Therapist licensure in West Virginia.
What is the typical Massage Therapist salary in West Virginia?
The median annual salary for Massage Therapists in West Virginia is $42,730. Salaries range from $23,270 (10th percentile) to $71,740 (90th percentile).
How does the Massage Therapist salary in West Virginia compare to the national average?
Massage Therapists in West Virginia earn 26% below the national median of $57,950, with a state median of $42,730.
How many Massage Therapists work in West Virginia?
West Virginia employs approximately 270 Massage Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Massage Therapist license to West Virginia 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 West Virginia?
The licensing agency is MASSAGE THERAPY. Review agency details at http://www.wvmassage.org/.
How often do you renew a Massage Therapist license in West Virginia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.