Massage Therapist in Illinois: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Illinois employs 4,950 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $60,490 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Illinois licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in Illinois (May 2025)
- Illinois median pay
- $60,490 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $33,770
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $77,550
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $82,910
- Employed in Illinois
- 4,950
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Illinois markets:
- Springfield
- $61,280 (100 employed)
- Rockford
- $60,880 (230 employed)
- Peoria
- $56,270 (120 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Illinois
Prices in Illinois run right about the national average (cost-of-living index 100.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $60,490 median holds roughly its face value.
Job Outlook in Illinois (2024–2034)
Illinois is projected to grow massage therapists employment +8.5%, slower than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 990 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Illinois License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — Illinois — regulated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
- Complete a minimum of 500 training hours (many programs offer 600+ hours) from an IDFPR-approved massage therapy school. Curriculum must include anatomy, physiology, massage techniques, ethics, and Illinois massage therapy law.
- Pass the MBLEx. Apply to IDFPR for LMT licensure with the $100 application fee.
- Renew every 2 years with 24 CE hours. Chicago and its suburbs have a very active LMT market — large fitness chains (Equinox, Life Time), medical massage practices, and spa employment are all strong.
Official requirements: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) →
Training in Illinois
Illinois has many IDFPR-approved massage schools in the Chicago metro area. Chicago's corporate and sports culture (Cubs, White Sox, Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks all have sports massage programs) creates above-average demand for LMTs with athletic or deep-tissue specializations.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Illinois include:
- City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College — Certificate
- College of Lake County — Certificate
- Elgin Community College — Certificate
- Estelle Medical 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 Illinois?
The median wage for massage therapists in Illinois is $60,490 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $33,770, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $82,910. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Illinois?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — Illinois, overseen by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Complete a minimum of 500 training hours (many programs offer 600+ hours) from an IDFPR-approved massage therapy school. Curriculum must include anatomy, physiology, massage techniques, ethics, and Illinois massage therapy law.
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Illinois?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which Illinois metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among Illinois metro areas, Springfield leads at $61,280, followed by Rockford ($60,880), Peoria ($56,270). 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 Illinois?
Real Illinois options include City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College, College of Lake County, Elgin Community 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 Illinois?
Illinois projects massage therapists employment to change +8.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 990 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), Illinois statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) (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 Illinois wages · Illinois 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.