Massage Therapist in Hawaii: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Hawaii employs 1,330 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $81,280 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Hawaii licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in Hawaii (May 2025)
- Hawaii median pay
- $81,280 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $36,660
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $129,770
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $166,730
- Employed in Hawaii
- 1,330
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Hawaii markets:
- Kahului
- $96,820 (330 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Hawaii
Prices in Hawaii run about 10% above the national average (cost-of-living index 110.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $81,280 median is worth closer to $73,891 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Hawaii (2024–2034)
Hawaii is projected to grow massage therapists employment +16.4%, faster than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 370 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Hawaii License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — regulated by the Hawaii DCCA — Board of Massage Therapy.
- Complete at least 570 hours of approved massage education (including at least 50 hours of anatomy/physiology/kinesiology).
- Pass the required licensing exam.
- Apply to the Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy (DCCA).
Official requirements: Hawaii DCCA — Board of Massage Therapy →
Training in Hawaii
Hawaii's resort and wellness industry makes it a strong massage market. Medical/clinical and resort/spa roles differ a lot in pay.
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 Hawaii?
The median wage for massage therapists in Hawaii is $81,280 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $36,660, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $166,730. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Hawaii?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), overseen by the Hawaii DCCA — Board of Massage Therapy. Complete at least 570 hours of approved massage education (including at least 50 hours of anatomy/physiology/kinesiology).
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Hawaii?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which Hawaii metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among Hawaii metro areas, Kahului leads at $96,820. Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Is Massage Therapist a growing career in Hawaii?
Hawaii projects massage therapists employment to change +16.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 370 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), Hawaii statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the Hawaii DCCA — 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 Hawaii wages · Hawaii 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.