Massage Therapist in Arizona: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Arizona employs 2,530 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $62,400 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Arizona licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in Arizona (May 2025)
- Arizona median pay
- $62,400 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $37,800
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $72,800
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $90,780
- Employed in Arizona
- 2,530
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Arizona markets:
- Prescott
- $79,600 (110 employed)
- Phoenix
- $63,080 (1,890 employed)
- Tucson
- $58,610 (340 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Arizona
Prices in Arizona run about 1% above the national average (cost-of-living index 100.7 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $62,400 median is worth closer to $61,966 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Arizona (2024–2034)
Arizona is projected to grow massage therapists employment +25.0%, faster than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 758 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Arizona License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — regulated by the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy.
- Complete a minimum of 700 hours of massage education from an Arizona Board-approved school (or a school accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accreditor, which may waive the exam requirement).
- Pass the MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination) or NCBTMB exam — graduates of accredited schools are exempt from the exam requirement. Pass a background check (fingerprint clearance card required).
- Apply to the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy. Renew every two years with 24 CE hours.
Official requirements: Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy →
Training in Arizona
Arizona requires 700 hours — higher than many states. The Phoenix metro has a robust spa and resort market (Scottsdale resort corridor, Sedona destination spas, golf resort complexes). Many LMTs work at resort spas before transitioning to private practice. Arizona's active lifestyle and sports tourism also create strong sports massage demand.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Arizona include:
- Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe — Certificate
- Arizona College-Glendale — Certificate
- Arizona School of Integrative Studies — Certificate
- Arizona Western 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 Arizona?
The median wage for massage therapists in Arizona is $62,400 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $37,800, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $90,780. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Arizona?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), overseen by the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy. Complete a minimum of 700 hours of massage education from an Arizona Board-approved school (or a school accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accreditor, which may waive the exam requirement).
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Arizona?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which Arizona metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among Arizona metro areas, Prescott leads at $79,600, followed by Phoenix ($63,080), Tucson ($58,610). 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 Arizona?
Real Arizona options include Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe, Arizona College-Glendale, Arizona School of Integrative Studies. Most massage therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Massage Therapist a growing career in Arizona?
Arizona projects massage therapists employment to change +25.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 758 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), Arizona statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy (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 Arizona wages · Arizona 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.