Massage Therapist in Maine: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Maine employs 370 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $73,290 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Maine licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in Maine (May 2025)
- Maine median pay
- $73,290 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $32,450
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $96,600
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $119,580
- Employed in Maine
- 370
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Maine markets:
- Portland
- $78,090 (230 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Maine
Prices in Maine run about 3% below the national average (cost-of-living index 97.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $73,290 median stretches to roughly $75,557 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Maine (2024–2034)
Maine is projected to grow massage therapists employment +4.7%, slower than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 130 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Maine License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — regulated by the Maine OPOR — Massage Therapy Licensure.
- Complete a minimum of 500 hours at a state-approved massage therapy program (including ~120 hours anatomy/physiology/pathology and ~100 supervised hands-on hours).
- Pass the MBLEx.
- Apply to Maine OPOR for massage therapist licensure.
Official requirements: Maine OPOR — Massage Therapy Licensure →
Training in Maine
500 hours is a moderate path. Medical/clinical and resort/spa roles differ a lot in pay.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Maine include:
- Spa Tech Institute-Westbrook — 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 Maine?
The median wage for massage therapists in Maine is $73,290 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $32,450, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $119,580. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Maine?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), overseen by the Maine OPOR — Massage Therapy Licensure. Complete a minimum of 500 hours at a state-approved massage therapy program (including ~120 hours anatomy/physiology/pathology and ~100 supervised hands-on hours).
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Maine?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which Maine metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among Maine metro areas, Portland leads at $78,090. 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 Maine?
Real Maine options include Spa Tech Institute-Westbrook. Most massage therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Massage Therapist a growing career in Maine?
Maine projects massage therapists employment to change +4.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 130 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), Maine statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the Maine OPOR — Massage Therapy Licensure (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 Maine wages · Maine 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.