Massage Therapist in Colorado: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Colorado employs 3,950 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $61,060 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Colorado licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in Colorado (May 2025)
- Colorado median pay
- $61,060 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $35,990
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $84,100
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $101,710
- Employed in Colorado
- 3,950
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Colorado markets:
- Boulder
- $71,870 (420 employed)
- Greeley
- $64,020 (120 employed)
- Grand Junction
- $62,550 (90 employed)
- Fort Collins
- $61,770 (390 employed)
- Denver
- $60,490 (1,890 employed)
- Colorado Springs
- $60,030 (630 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Colorado
Prices in Colorado run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $61,060 median is worth closer to $59,224 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Colorado (2024–2034)
Colorado is projected to grow massage therapists employment +23.0%, faster than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,140 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Colorado License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — regulated by the Colorado Office of Massage Therapy Licensure (DORA).
- Complete an approved massage therapy program (about 500–650 hours of classroom and clinical training).
- Pass an approved exam (MBLEx or an NCETM/NCETMB exam).
- Apply to DORA and clear a fingerprint background check.
Official requirements: Colorado Office of Massage Therapy Licensure (DORA) →
Training in Colorado
Relatively short path to a licensed, flexible career. Spa, clinical, and self-employed routes differ a lot in pay — think about which you want before training.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Colorado include:
- Academy of Natural Therapy Inc — Certificate
- Aveda Institute-Denver — Certificate
- Colorado Northwestern Community College — Certificate
- Colorado School of Healing Arts — 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 Colorado?
The median wage for massage therapists in Colorado is $61,060 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $35,990, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $101,710. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Colorado?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), overseen by the Colorado Office of Massage Therapy Licensure (DORA). Complete an approved massage therapy program (about 500–650 hours of classroom and clinical training).
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Colorado?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which Colorado metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among Colorado metro areas, Boulder leads at $71,870, followed by Greeley ($64,020), Grand Junction ($62,550). 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 Colorado?
Real Colorado options include Academy of Natural Therapy Inc, Aveda Institute-Denver, Colorado Northwestern Community 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 Colorado?
Colorado projects massage therapists employment to change +23.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,140 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), Colorado statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the Colorado Office of Massage Therapy Licensure (DORA) (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 Colorado wages · Colorado 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.