Massage Therapist in Missouri: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Missouri employs 1,500 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $62,050 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Missouri licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in Missouri (May 2025)
- Missouri median pay
- $62,050 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $43,680
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $83,190
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $101,900
- Employed in Missouri
- 1,500
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Missouri markets:
- Springfield
- $61,280 (100 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Missouri
Prices in Missouri run about 9% below the national average (cost-of-living index 90.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $62,050 median stretches to roughly $68,337 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Missouri (2024–2034)
Missouri is projected to grow massage therapists employment +10.6%, slower than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 470 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Missouri License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — Missouri — regulated by the Missouri Division of Professional Registration — State Board of Therapeutic Massage.
- Complete 500 training hours from a Missouri State Board of Therapeutic Massage–approved massage therapy program, covering anatomy, physiology, massage technique, ethics, and Missouri law.
- Pass the MBLEx. Apply to the Missouri Division of Professional Registration for LMT licensure.
- Renew every 2 years with 12 CE hours. St. Louis and Kansas City have active massage markets; Missouri's cost of living means LMTs can build a solid client base with lower overhead than coastal markets.
Training in Missouri
Missouri has approved massage therapy programs in both metro areas. The 500-hour requirement can typically be completed in 6–10 months. Missouri's moderate cost of living and growing wellness culture make it a solid state for building an independent massage practice.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Missouri include:
- Midwest Institute — Certificate
- Pinnacle Career Institute — Certificate
- SPBK Enterprises Inc — Certificate
- St. Louis Med Tech — 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 Missouri?
The median wage for massage therapists in Missouri is $62,050 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $43,680, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $101,900. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Missouri?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — Missouri, overseen by the Missouri Division of Professional Registration — State Board of Therapeutic Massage. Complete 500 training hours from a Missouri State Board of Therapeutic Massage–approved massage therapy program, covering anatomy, physiology, massage technique, ethics, and Missouri law.
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Missouri?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which Missouri metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among Missouri metro areas, Springfield leads at $61,280. 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 Missouri?
Real Missouri options include Midwest Institute, Pinnacle Career Institute, SPBK Enterprises Inc. Most massage therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Massage Therapist a growing career in Missouri?
Missouri projects massage therapists employment to change +10.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 470 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), Missouri statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the Missouri Division of Professional Registration — State Board of Therapeutic Massage (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 Missouri wages · Missouri 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.