Massage Therapist in Alaska: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Alaska employs 570 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $134,930 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Alaska licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in Alaska (May 2025)
- Alaska median pay
- $134,930 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $34,140
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $139,210
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $161,400
- Employed in Alaska
- 570
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Alaska markets:
- Fairbanks
- $130,590 (50 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Alaska
Prices in Alaska run about 2% above the national average (cost-of-living index 102.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $134,930 median is worth closer to $131,768 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Alaska (2024–2034)
Alaska is projected to grow massage therapists employment +9.5%, slower than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 70 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Alaska License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — regulated by the Alaska Board of Massage Therapists (DCCED).
- Complete at least 625 hours of education at an approved massage school.
- Pass the MBLEx.
- Apply to the Alaska Board of Massage Therapists (DCCED).
Official requirements: Alaska Board of Massage Therapists (DCCED) →
Training in Alaska
625 hours is on the higher end. Medical/clinical and resort/spa roles differ a lot in pay.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Alaska include:
- Alaska Career College — Certificate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who are physically strong, enjoy helping others, and want a licensed practice they can build independently.
Think twice if: Physical strain on hands and wrists, scheduling unpredictability as a self-employed practitioner, or close physical contact sound difficult.
Why it's resilient: Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
First Steps
Check your state's hour requirement and find a state-licensed massage therapy school — programs range from 500 to 1,000 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do massage therapists make in Alaska?
The median wage for massage therapists in Alaska is $134,930 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $34,140, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $161,400. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Alaska?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), overseen by the Alaska Board of Massage Therapists (DCCED). Complete at least 625 hours of education at an approved massage school.
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Alaska?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which Alaska metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among Alaska metro areas, Fairbanks leads at $130,590. Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Massage Therapist in Alaska?
Real Alaska options include Alaska Career College. Most massage therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Massage Therapist a growing career in Alaska?
Alaska projects massage therapists employment to change +9.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 70 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Alaska statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the Alaska Board of Massage Therapists (DCCED) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Alaska wages · Alaska licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.