Massage Therapist in Iowa: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Iowa employs 540 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $57,710 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Iowa licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in Iowa (May 2025)
- Iowa median pay
- $57,710 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $37,560
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $76,090
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $91,570
- Employed in Iowa
- 540
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Iowa markets:
- Des Moines
- $76,090 (150 employed)
- Davenport
- $62,400 (100 employed)
- Omaha
- $51,950 (210 employed)
- Cedar Rapids
- $49,350 (70 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Iowa
Prices in Iowa run about 12% below the national average (cost-of-living index 87.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $57,710 median stretches to roughly $65,729 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Iowa (2024–2034)
Iowa is projected to grow massage therapists employment +24.4%, faster than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 110 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Iowa License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — regulated by the Iowa Board of Massage Therapy (DIAL).
- Complete a minimum of 600 hours at a state-approved school.
- Pass the MBLEx.
- Apply to the Iowa Board of Massage Therapy.
Official requirements: Iowa Board of Massage Therapy (DIAL) →
Training in Iowa
600 hours is a moderate path. Medical/clinical and resort/spa roles differ a lot in pay.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Iowa include:
- Aveda Institute-Des Moines — Certificate
- Body Wisdom Massage Therapy School — Certificate
- Capri College-Cedar Rapids — Certificate
- Capri College-Davenport — 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 Iowa?
The median wage for massage therapists in Iowa is $57,710 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $37,560, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $91,570. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Iowa?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), overseen by the Iowa Board of Massage Therapy (DIAL). Complete a minimum of 600 hours at a state-approved school.
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Iowa?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which Iowa metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among Iowa metro areas, Des Moines leads at $76,090, followed by Davenport ($62,400), Omaha ($51,950). 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 Iowa?
Real Iowa options include Aveda Institute-Des Moines, Body Wisdom Massage Therapy School, Capri College-Cedar Rapids. Most massage therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Massage Therapist a growing career in Iowa?
Iowa projects massage therapists employment to change +24.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 110 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), Iowa statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the Iowa Board of Massage Therapy (DIAL) (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 Iowa wages · Iowa 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.