Massage Therapist in Florida: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Florida employs 9,280 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $49,680 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Florida licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in Florida (May 2025)
- Florida median pay
- $49,680 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $30,310
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $59,700
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $79,220
- Employed in Florida
- 9,280
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Florida markets:
- Tampa Bay
- $51,470 (1,530 employed)
- Jacksonville
- $50,600 (650 employed)
- Fort Myers
- $50,190 (390 employed)
- Orlando
- $48,480 (1,250 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Florida
Prices in Florida run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $49,680 median is worth closer to $48,046 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Florida (2026–2034)
Florida is projected to grow massage therapists employment +17.0%, faster than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 2,063 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Florida License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — regulated by the Florida Department of Health — Board of Massage Therapy.
- Complete a Florida Board of Massage Therapy-approved massage therapy program with a minimum of 500 training hours. Programs must include anatomy, physiology, massage theory and technique, hygiene, and Florida law.
- Pass the MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination). Apply to the Florida Department of Health for LMT licensure; pass a Level 2 background check (including fingerprinting).
- Renew biennially with 24 CE hours including HIV/AIDS education. Florida is a very active massage market — large resort communities, retirement populations, and wellness tourism drive demand year-round.
Official requirements: Florida Department of Health — Board of Massage Therapy →
Training in Florida
Florida has many FSMTB/Board-approved massage schools, particularly in the Miami, Orlando, and Tampa areas. Florida's large tourism and hospitality industry employs a significant number of LMTs at resort spas, cruise ship companies (Port of Miami, Port Canaveral), and destination wellness centers.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Florida include:
- Academy of Career Training — Certificate
- Academy of Cosmetology — Certificate
- American Academy of Cosmetology — Certificate
- American Institute of Beauty — 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 Florida?
The median wage for massage therapists in Florida is $49,680 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $30,310, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $79,220. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Florida?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), overseen by the Florida Department of Health — Board of Massage Therapy. Complete a Florida Board of Massage Therapy-approved massage therapy program with a minimum of 500 training hours. Programs must include anatomy, physiology, massage theory and technique, hygiene, and Florida law.
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Florida?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which Florida metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among Florida metro areas, Tampa Bay leads at $51,470, followed by Jacksonville ($50,600), Fort Myers ($50,190). 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 Florida?
Real Florida options include Academy of Career Training, Academy of Cosmetology, American Academy of Cosmetology. Most massage therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Massage Therapist a growing career in Florida?
Florida projects massage therapists employment to change +17.0% from 2026 to 2034, with about 2,063 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), Florida statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the Florida Department of Health — 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 Florida wages · Florida 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.