Massage Therapist in Arkansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Arkansas employs 430 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $39,990 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Arkansas licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in Arkansas (May 2025)
- Arkansas median pay
- $39,990 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $24,180
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $49,620
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $74,530
- Employed in Arkansas
- 430
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Arkansas markets:
- Memphis
- $47,320 (160 employed)
- Little Rock
- $43,030 (210 employed)
- Fayetteville
- $41,920
- Fort Smith
- $37,110 (40 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Arkansas
Prices in Arkansas run about 13% below the national average (cost-of-living index 86.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $39,990 median stretches to roughly $46,018 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Arkansas (2024–2034)
Arkansas is projected to grow massage therapists employment +20.2%, faster than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 90 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Arkansas License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — regulated by the Arkansas Dept. of Health — Massage Therapy.
- Complete at least 500 hours at a Dept. of Health-approved massage therapy program.
- Pass the MBLEx.
- Apply through the Arkansas Dept. of Health Massage Therapy program.
Official requirements: Arkansas Dept. of Health — Massage Therapy →
Training in Arkansas
500 hours is a moderate path. Medical/clinical and resort/spa roles differ a lot in pay.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Arkansas include:
- University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain — 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 Arkansas?
The median wage for massage therapists in Arkansas is $39,990 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $24,180, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $74,530. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Arkansas?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), overseen by the Arkansas Dept. of Health — Massage Therapy. Complete at least 500 hours at a Dept. of Health-approved massage therapy program.
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Arkansas?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which Arkansas metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among Arkansas metro areas, Memphis leads at $47,320, followed by Little Rock ($43,030), Fayetteville ($41,920). 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 Arkansas?
Real Arkansas options include University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain. Most massage therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Massage Therapist a growing career in Arkansas?
Arkansas projects massage therapists employment to change +20.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 90 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), Arkansas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the Arkansas Dept. of Health — 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 Arkansas wages · Arkansas 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.