Massage Therapist in Michigan: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Michigan employs 2,410 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $70,960 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Michigan licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in Michigan (May 2025)
- Michigan median pay
- $70,960 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $32,610
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $77,550
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $89,950
- Employed in Michigan
- 2,410
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Michigan markets:
- Lansing
- $74,880 (130 employed)
- Flint
- $72,100 (30 employed)
- Detroit
- $70,960 (1,310 employed)
- Grand Rapids
- $68,470 (350 employed)
- Saginaw
- $66,090 (50 employed)
- Ann Arbor
- $60,370 (80 employed)
- Kalamazoo
- $50,010 (60 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Michigan
Prices in Michigan run about 4% below the national average (cost-of-living index 96.2 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $70,960 median stretches to roughly $73,763 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Michigan (2024–2034)
Michigan is projected to grow massage therapists employment +12.3%, slower than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 500 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Michigan License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — Michigan — regulated by the Michigan Board of Massage Therapy — LARA.
- Complete a minimum of 625 training hours from a Michigan Board of Massage Therapy-approved program, covering anatomy, physiology, massage techniques, ethics, and Michigan law.
- Pass the MBLEx. Apply to LARA for LMT licensure.
- Renew every 2 years with 18 CE hours. Detroit metro and Grand Rapids are the primary employment markets; Ann Arbor's university and wellness culture also supports active LMT employment.
Official requirements: Michigan Board of Massage Therapy — LARA →
Training in Michigan
Michigan's 625-hour requirement is slightly above average. LARA-approved programs are available in the Detroit metro and Grand Rapids areas. Michigan's auto industry creates above-average demand for sports medicine and occupational health massage in manufacturing corridors.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Michigan include:
- Baker College — Certificate
- Bayshire Academy of Beauty Craft Inc — Certificate
- Carnegie Institute — Certificate
- Dorsey 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 Michigan?
The median wage for massage therapists in Michigan is $70,960 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $32,610, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $89,950. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Michigan?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — Michigan, overseen by the Michigan Board of Massage Therapy — LARA. Complete a minimum of 625 training hours from a Michigan Board of Massage Therapy-approved program, covering anatomy, physiology, massage techniques, ethics, and Michigan law.
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Michigan?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which Michigan metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among Michigan metro areas, Lansing leads at $74,880, followed by Flint ($72,100), Detroit ($70,960). 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 Michigan?
Real Michigan options include Baker College, Bayshire Academy of Beauty Craft Inc, Carnegie Institute. Most massage therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Massage Therapist a growing career in Michigan?
Michigan projects massage therapists employment to change +12.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 500 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), Michigan statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the Michigan Board of Massage Therapy — LARA (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 Michigan wages · Michigan 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.