Massage Therapist in Massachusetts: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Massachusetts employs 2,830 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $63,390 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Massachusetts licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in Massachusetts (May 2025)
- Massachusetts median pay
- $63,390 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $40,420
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $103,000
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $104,510
- Employed in Massachusetts
- 2,830
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Massachusetts markets:
- Boston
- $75,160 (2,180 employed)
- Providence
- $60,420 (440 employed)
- Springfield
- $58,500 (80 employed)
- Cape Cod
- $52,560 (50 employed)
- Worcester
- $49,600 (250 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Massachusetts
Prices in Massachusetts run about 6% above the national average (cost-of-living index 105.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $63,390 median is worth closer to $59,915 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Massachusetts (2024–2034)
Massachusetts is projected to grow massage therapists employment +12.1%, slower than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 610 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Massachusetts License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — regulated by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Massage Therapy.
- Complete a minimum of 650 hours from a Massachusetts Board-approved massage therapy program — at least 550 hours of academic coursework and 100 hours of supervised internship or unpaid practice. Programs are available at Cortiva Institute (Boston), Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School adult education, and other approved schools.
- Pass the MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination). Provide two signed reference letters (one from an employer in the field, one from a non-relative). Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma.
- Apply to the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Massage Therapy and pay the $225 application and licensing fee. Note: Massachusetts LMT licenses renew annually (not the usual biennial cycle), so plan for yearly renewal and continuing education.
Official requirements: Massachusetts Board of Registration of Massage Therapy →
Training in Massachusetts
Boston's large hotel and resort market, academic/sports medicine sector (Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox facility massage and sports massage demand), and corporate wellness programs create strong LMT demand. Annual renewal (rather than biennial) requires proactive license management. Self-employment through private practice or hotel contract work is common within 2–3 years.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Massachusetts include:
- Berkshire Community College — Certificate
- Jupiter Beauty Academy — Certificate
- Spa Tech Institute-North Andover — Certificate
- Spa Tech Institute-Plymouth — 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 Massachusetts?
The median wage for massage therapists in Massachusetts is $63,390 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $40,420, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $104,510. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Massachusetts?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), overseen by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Massage Therapy. Complete a minimum of 650 hours from a Massachusetts Board-approved massage therapy program — at least 550 hours of academic coursework and 100 hours of supervised internship or unpaid practice. Programs are available at Cortiva Institute (Boston), Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School adult education, and other approved schools.
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Massachusetts?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which Massachusetts metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among Massachusetts metro areas, Boston leads at $75,160, followed by Providence ($60,420), Springfield ($58,500). 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 Massachusetts?
Real Massachusetts options include Berkshire Community College, Jupiter Beauty Academy, Spa Tech Institute-North Andover. Most massage therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Massage Therapist a growing career in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts projects massage therapists employment to change +12.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 610 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), Massachusetts statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Massage Therapy (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 Massachusetts wages · Massachusetts 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.