Massage Therapist in Nebraska: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Nebraska employs 270 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $53,950 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Nebraska licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in Nebraska (May 2025)
- Nebraska median pay
- $53,950 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $47,360
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $83,440
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $93,390
- Employed in Nebraska
- 270
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Nebraska markets:
- Lincoln
- $65,860 (40 employed)
- Sioux City
- $61,890 (30 employed)
- Omaha
- $51,950 (210 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Nebraska
Prices in Nebraska run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 90.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $53,950 median stretches to roughly $59,878 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Nebraska (2024–2034)
Nebraska is projected to grow massage therapists employment +13.4%, slower than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 90 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Nebraska License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — regulated by the Nebraska DHHS — Division of Public Health (Massage Therapy).
- Complete a program of at least 1,000 hours over at least nine months.
- Pass the MBLEx.
- Apply to Nebraska DHHS.
Official requirements: Nebraska DHHS — Division of Public Health (Massage Therapy) →
Training in Nebraska
Nebraska's 1,000-hour requirement is among the highest in the country — budget time and money accordingly. Medical/clinical and resort/spa roles differ a lot in pay.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Nebraska include:
- Myotherapy Institute — Certificate
- Universal College of Healing Arts — 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 Nebraska?
The median wage for massage therapists in Nebraska is $53,950 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $47,360, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $93,390. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Nebraska?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), overseen by the Nebraska DHHS — Division of Public Health (Massage Therapy). Complete a program of at least 1,000 hours over at least nine months.
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Nebraska?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which Nebraska metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among Nebraska metro areas, Lincoln leads at $65,860, followed by Sioux City ($61,890), Omaha ($51,950). 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 Nebraska?
Real Nebraska options include Myotherapy Institute, Universal College of Healing Arts. Most massage therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Massage Therapist a growing career in Nebraska?
Nebraska projects massage therapists employment to change +13.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 90 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), Nebraska statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the Nebraska DHHS — Division of Public Health (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 Nebraska wages · Nebraska 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.