Massage Therapist in Georgia: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Georgia employs 1,700 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $50,820 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Georgia licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in Georgia (May 2025)
- Georgia median pay
- $50,820 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $19,010
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $76,260
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $83,130
- Employed in Georgia
- 1,700
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Georgia markets:
- Savannah
- $67,470 (50 employed)
- Augusta
- $58,800 (130 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Georgia
Prices in Georgia run about 4% below the national average (cost-of-living index 96.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $50,820 median stretches to roughly $52,773 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Georgia (2024–2034)
Georgia is projected to grow massage therapists employment +18.9%, faster than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 490 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Georgia License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — Georgia — regulated by the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy.
- Complete a minimum of 500 training hours from a Georgia Board of Massage Therapy-approved program, covering anatomy, physiology, massage techniques, ethics, and Georgia law.
- Pass the MBLEx. Apply to the Georgia Secretary of State Professional Licensing Division for LMT licensure.
- Renew every 2 years with 24 CE hours. Atlanta's growing wellness culture, large resort communities (Savannah, Golden Isles, Hilton Head border market), and expanding suburbs drive strong LMT demand.
Official requirements: Georgia Board of Massage Therapy →
Training in Georgia
Georgia has GBOT-approved massage schools in Atlanta and throughout the state. Atlanta's Buckhead and Midtown markets support upscale spa employment; Emory and Piedmont medical centers create demand for clinical/rehabilitative massage. Savannah's tourism economy generates seasonal resort spa employment.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Georgia include:
- Augusta School of Massage — Certificate
- Coastal Pines Technical College — Certificate
- Columbus Technical College — Certificate
- Elaine Sterling Institute — 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 Georgia?
The median wage for massage therapists in Georgia is $50,820 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $19,010, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $83,130. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Georgia?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — Georgia, overseen by the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy. Complete a minimum of 500 training hours from a Georgia Board of Massage Therapy-approved program, covering anatomy, physiology, massage techniques, ethics, and Georgia law.
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Georgia?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which Georgia metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among Georgia metro areas, Savannah leads at $67,470, followed by Augusta ($58,800). 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 Georgia?
Real Georgia options include Augusta School of Massage, Coastal Pines Technical College, Columbus Technical 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 Georgia?
Georgia projects massage therapists employment to change +18.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 490 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), Georgia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the Georgia 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 Georgia wages · Georgia 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.