Massage Therapist in Montana: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Montana employs 200 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $53,540 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Montana licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in Montana (May 2025)
- Montana median pay
- $53,540 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $25,020
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $85,040
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $96,740
- Employed in Montana
- 200
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Montana markets:
- Bozeman
- $85,670 (40 employed)
- Billings
- $42,090 (40 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Montana
Prices in Montana run about 5% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $53,540 median stretches to roughly $56,596 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Montana (2024–2034)
Montana is projected to grow massage therapists employment +10.0%, slower than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 100 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Montana License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — regulated by the Montana DLI — Board of Massage Therapy.
- Complete at least 500 hours at an accredited massage therapy school or program.
- Pass the MBLEx.
- Apply to the Montana Board of Massage Therapy (DLI).
Official requirements: Montana DLI — Board of Massage Therapy →
Training in Montana
500 hours is a moderate path. Medical/clinical and resort/spa roles differ a lot in pay.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Montana include:
- Montana Academy of Salons — 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 Montana?
The median wage for massage therapists in Montana is $53,540 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $25,020, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $96,740. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Montana?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), overseen by the Montana DLI — Board of Massage Therapy. Complete at least 500 hours at an accredited massage therapy school or program.
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Montana?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which Montana metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among Montana metro areas, Bozeman leads at $85,670, followed by Billings ($42,090). 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 Montana?
Real Montana options include Montana Academy of Salons. Most massage therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Massage Therapist a growing career in Montana?
Montana projects massage therapists employment to change +10.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 100 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), Montana statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the Montana DLI — 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 Montana wages · Montana 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.