Back to the national Massage Therapist profile

Massage Therapist in Idaho: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Licensed local services

Idaho employs 170 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $60,420 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Idaho licensing picture, and where to train.

What Massage therapists Earn in Idaho (May 2025)

Idaho median pay: $60,420 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $35,360
Experienced (75th percentile): $66,300
Top earners (90th percentile): $94,610
Employed in Idaho: 170
U.S. median (for comparison): $54,660 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Idaho markets:

Coeur d'Alene: $61,310 (50 employed)
Boise City: $60,420

What That Pay Is Worth in Idaho

Prices in Idaho run about 4% below the national average (cost-of-living index 95.5 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $60,420 median stretches to roughly $63,267 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Idaho (2024–2034)

Idaho is projected to grow massage therapists employment +31.3%, faster than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 50 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Idaho License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — regulated by the Idaho Board of Massage Therapy (DOPL).

Complete at least 500 hours at a board-approved massage therapy program.
Pass the MBLEx.
Apply to the Idaho Board of Massage Therapy (DOPL).

Official requirements: Idaho Board of Massage Therapy (DOPL) →

Training in Idaho

500 hours is a moderate path. Medical/clinical and resort/spa roles differ a lot in pay.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Idaho include:

Carrington College-Boise — Certificate
Idaho State University — Certificate
Integrated Massage Therapy Services — Certificate
Rexburg College of Massage Therapy — 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 Idaho?

The median wage for massage therapists in Idaho is $60,420 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $35,360, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $94,610. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Idaho?

Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), overseen by the Idaho Board of Massage Therapy (DOPL). Complete at least 500 hours at a board-approved massage therapy program.

Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Idaho?

Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.

Which Idaho metros pay massage therapists the most?

Among Idaho metro areas, Coeur d'Alene leads at $61,310, followed by Boise City ($60,420). 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 Idaho?

Real Idaho options include Carrington College-Boise, Idaho State University, Integrated Massage Therapy Services. Most massage therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Massage Therapist a growing career in Idaho?

Idaho projects massage therapists employment to change +31.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 50 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), Idaho statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the Idaho Board of Massage Therapy (DOPL) (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 Idaho wages · Idaho 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.