Massage Therapist in Louisiana: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Louisiana employs 890 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $36,480 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Louisiana licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in Louisiana (May 2025)
- Louisiana median pay
- $36,480 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $18,080
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $48,300
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $59,680
- Employed in Louisiana
- 890
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Louisiana markets:
- Shreveport
- $46,810 (50 employed)
- Lake Charles
- $42,830 (60 employed)
- New Orleans
- $39,500 (180 employed)
- Slidell
- $38,130 (100 employed)
- Lafayette
- $35,610 (90 employed)
- Baton Rouge
- $30,820 (250 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Louisiana
Prices in Louisiana run about 12% below the national average (cost-of-living index 88.2 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $36,480 median stretches to roughly $41,361 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Louisiana (2024–2034)
Louisiana is projected to grow massage therapists employment +4.6%, slower than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 120 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Louisiana License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — regulated by the Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy (LBMT).
- Complete at least 500 hours at a board-approved massage therapy school.
- Pass the MBLEx.
- Apply to the Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy and clear a background check.
Official requirements: Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy (LBMT) →
Training in Louisiana
500 hours is a relatively moderate path. Medical/clinical and resort/spa roles differ a lot in pay.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Louisiana include:
- Blue Cliff College-Alexandria — Certificate
- Blue Cliff College-Lafayette — Certificate
- Blue Cliff College-Metairie — Certificate
- Delgado Community College — 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 Louisiana?
The median wage for massage therapists in Louisiana is $36,480 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $18,080, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $59,680. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Louisiana?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), overseen by the Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy (LBMT). Complete at least 500 hours at a board-approved massage therapy school.
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Louisiana?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which Louisiana metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among Louisiana metro areas, Shreveport leads at $46,810, followed by Lake Charles ($42,830), New Orleans ($39,500). 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 Louisiana?
Real Louisiana options include Blue Cliff College-Alexandria, Blue Cliff College-Lafayette, Blue Cliff College-Metairie. Most massage therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Massage Therapist a growing career in Louisiana?
Louisiana projects massage therapists employment to change +4.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 120 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), Louisiana statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy (LBMT) (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 Louisiana wages · Louisiana 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.