Massage Therapist in Mississippi: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Mississippi employs 230 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $40,490 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Mississippi licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in Mississippi (May 2025)
- Mississippi median pay
- $40,490 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $28,820
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $50,900
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $103,020
- Employed in Mississippi
- 230
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Mississippi markets:
- Memphis
- $47,320 (160 employed)
- Jackson
- $45,090 (90 employed)
- Gulfport
- $36,920 (80 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Mississippi
Prices in Mississippi run about 13% below the national average (cost-of-living index 87.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $40,490 median stretches to roughly $46,540 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Mississippi (2024–2034)
Mississippi is projected to grow massage therapists employment +17.3%, faster than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 50 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Mississippi License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — regulated by the Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy.
- Complete 700 hours at an accredited massage therapy school, plus CPR/First Aid.
- Pass the MBLEx.
- Apply to the Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy.
Official requirements: Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy →
Training in Mississippi
700 hours is on the higher end. Medical/clinical and resort/spa roles differ a lot in pay.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Mississippi include:
- Blue Cliff College-Gulfport — Certificate
- Concorde Career College-Southaven — Certificate
- Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College — Certificate
- Pearl River 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 Mississippi?
The median wage for massage therapists in Mississippi is $40,490 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $28,820, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $103,020. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Mississippi?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), overseen by the Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy. Complete 700 hours at an accredited massage therapy school, plus CPR/First Aid.
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Mississippi?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which Mississippi metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among Mississippi metro areas, Memphis leads at $47,320, followed by Jackson ($45,090), Gulfport ($36,920). 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 Mississippi?
Real Mississippi options include Blue Cliff College-Gulfport, Concorde Career College-Southaven, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Most massage therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Massage Therapist a growing career in Mississippi?
Mississippi projects massage therapists employment to change +17.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 50 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), Mississippi statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the Mississippi State Board 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 Mississippi wages · Mississippi 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.