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Massage Therapist in Maryland: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

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Maryland employs 1,350 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $62,270 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Maryland licensing picture, and where to train.

What Massage therapists Earn in Maryland (May 2025)

Maryland median pay: $62,270 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $35,360
Experienced (75th percentile): $82,210
Top earners (90th percentile): $96,440
Employed in Maryland: 1,350
U.S. median (for comparison): $54,660 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Maryland markets:

Washington DC metro: $65,220 (1,540 employed)
Baltimore: $63,820 (840 employed)
Hagerstown: $57,010 (70 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Maryland

Prices in Maryland run about 5% above the national average (cost-of-living index 105.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $62,270 median is worth closer to $59,305 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Maryland (2024–2034)

Maryland is projected to grow massage therapists employment +17.0%, faster than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 350 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Maryland License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) or Registered Massage Practitioner (RMP) — regulated by the Maryland State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners — Maryland Department of Health.

LMT (full license): Complete 750 hours of Maryland Board-approved massage therapy education from a COMTA-endorsed and institutionally accredited school. Pass the MBLEx or NCBTMB exam AND the Maryland Jurisprudence exam (covering Maryland massage statutes and Board regulations).
RMP (limited license, 600 hours): Complete 600 hours from an approved program, pass the same national and jurisprudence exams. RMPs may practice but with more limited scope than LMTs.
Apply to the Maryland State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners (MD DOH) for your LMT or RMP license. Renew every two years with 24 CE hours. Schools approved in Maryland include Potomac Massage Training Institute (DC/MD area), Baltimore School of Massage, and CCBC.

Official requirements: Maryland State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners — Maryland Department of Health →

Training in Maryland

Maryland's DC Metro suburbs have a high concentration of spas, hotel wellness centers, sports medicine practices, and chiropractic offices. The Maryland Jurisprudence exam is a Maryland-specific requirement — study the Maryland Massage Practice Act before taking it. DC Metro Maryland LMT wages are among the highest in the country. The National Institutes of Health's large Bethesda campus also employs massage therapists in integrative medicine programs.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Maryland include:

Allegany College of Maryland — Certificate
Anne Arundel Community College — Certificate
Aveda Institute-Maryland — Certificate
College of Southern Maryland — 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 Maryland?

The median wage for massage therapists in Maryland is $62,270 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $35,360, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $96,440. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Maryland?

Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) or Registered Massage Practitioner (RMP), overseen by the Maryland State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners — Maryland Department of Health. LMT (full license): Complete 750 hours of Maryland Board-approved massage therapy education from a COMTA-endorsed and institutionally accredited school. Pass the MBLEx or NCBTMB exam AND the Maryland Jurisprudence exam (covering Maryland massage statutes and Board regulations).

Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Maryland?

Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.

Which Maryland metros pay massage therapists the most?

Among Maryland metro areas, Washington DC metro leads at $65,220, followed by Baltimore ($63,820), Hagerstown ($57,010). 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 Maryland?

Real Maryland options include Allegany College of Maryland, Anne Arundel Community College, Aveda Institute-Maryland. Most massage therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Massage Therapist a growing career in Maryland?

Maryland projects massage therapists employment to change +17.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 350 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), Maryland statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the Maryland State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners — Maryland Department of Health (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 Maryland wages · Maryland 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.