Massage Therapist in Kansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Kansas employs 780 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $49,990 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Kansas licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in Kansas (May 2025)
- Kansas median pay
- $49,990 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $31,490
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $58,240
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $81,760
- Employed in Kansas
- 780
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Kansas markets:
- Kansas City
- $55,810 (650 employed)
- Topeka
- $48,140 (60 employed)
- Wichita
- $46,560 (200 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Kansas
Prices in Kansas run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 90.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $49,990 median stretches to roughly $55,483 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Kansas (2024–2034)
Kansas is projected to grow massage therapists employment +11.6%, slower than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 170 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Kansas License and Certification Requirements
No statewide license; local permits in some municipalities — regulated by the No Kansas state license (regulated locally in some cities).
- Kansas does not license massage therapists at the state level (a licensure bill, HB 2123, did not pass).
- Complete a quality massage program (~500–600 hours) and pass the MBLEx to be competitive and portable.
- Check local rules — cities like Overland Park and Lenexa require permits and ~500 hours of supervised education.
Official requirements: No Kansas state license (regulated locally in some cities) →
Training in Kansas
Kansas is one of the few states without statewide massage licensure, but major metros regulate locally. Training to the ~500-hour standard and passing the MBLEx keeps you employable and portable to other states.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Kansas include:
- Bellus Academy — Certificate
- Colby Community College — Certificate
- WellSpring School of Allied Health-Lawrence — Certificate
- WellSpring School of Allied Health-Wichita — 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 Kansas?
The median wage for massage therapists in Kansas is $49,990 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $31,490, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $81,760. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Kansas?
No statewide license; local permits in some municipalities, overseen by the No Kansas state license (regulated locally in some cities). Kansas does not license massage therapists at the state level (a licensure bill, HB 2123, did not pass).
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Kansas?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which Kansas metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among Kansas metro areas, Kansas City leads at $55,810, followed by Topeka ($48,140), Wichita ($46,560). 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 Kansas?
Real Kansas options include Bellus Academy, Colby Community College, WellSpring School of Allied Health-Lawrence. Most massage therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Massage Therapist a growing career in Kansas?
Kansas projects massage therapists employment to change +11.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 170 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), Kansas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the No Kansas state license (regulated locally in some cities) (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 Kansas wages · Kansas 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.