Massage Therapist in Delaware: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Delaware employs 230 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $58,870 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Delaware licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in Delaware (May 2025)
- Delaware median pay
- $58,870 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $46,250
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $68,670
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $98,220
- Employed in Delaware
- 230
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Delaware markets:
- Philadelphia
- $59,560 (1,500 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Delaware
Prices in Delaware run right about the national average (cost-of-living index 99.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $58,870 median holds roughly its face value.
Delaware License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) (Certified Massage Technician at 300 hrs) — regulated by the Delaware DPR — Board of Massage & Bodywork.
- Complete at least 500 hours at a state-approved program for the LMT (a 300-hour Certified Massage Technician credential is also available).
- Pass the MBLEx.
- Apply to the Delaware Board of Massage & Bodywork (DPR).
Official requirements: Delaware DPR — Board of Massage & Bodywork →
Training in Delaware
Delaware offers a 300-hour CMT and a 500-hour LMT. The LMT has the broader scope; medical/clinical and resort/spa roles differ a lot in pay.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Delaware include:
- Academy of Massage and Bodywork — Certificate
- Dawn Career Institute LLC — Certificate
- The Salon Professional Academy — 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 Delaware?
The median wage for massage therapists in Delaware is $58,870 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $46,250, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $98,220. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Delaware?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) (Certified Massage Technician at 300 hrs), overseen by the Delaware DPR — Board of Massage & Bodywork. Complete at least 500 hours at a state-approved program for the LMT (a 300-hour Certified Massage Technician credential is also available).
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Delaware?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which Delaware metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among Delaware metro areas, Philadelphia leads at $59,560. 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 Delaware?
Real Delaware options include Academy of Massage and Bodywork, Dawn Career Institute LLC, The Salon Professional Academy. Most massage therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Delaware statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the Delaware DPR — Board of Massage & Bodywork (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 Delaware wages · Delaware licensing/certification source
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.