Massage Therapist in Nevada: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Nevada employs 1,620 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $53,540 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Nevada licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in Nevada (May 2025)
- Nevada median pay
- $53,540 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $25,230
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $85,280
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $121,980
- Employed in Nevada
- 1,620
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Nevada markets:
- Las Vegas
- $53,540 (1,390 employed)
- Reno
- $47,560 (200 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Nevada
Prices in Nevada run right about the national average (cost-of-living index 100.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $53,540 median holds roughly its face value.
Job Outlook in Nevada (2022–2032)
Nevada is projected to grow massage therapists employment +33.5%, faster than the +15.4% projected nationally.
Nevada License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — regulated by the Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy.
- Complete a board-recognized program of at least ~625 hours (sources cite 550–625; confirm current minimum).
- Pass the MBLEx.
- Apply to the Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy and clear a background check.
Official requirements: Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy →
Training in Nevada
Las Vegas's spa/resort industry makes Nevada a strong massage market. Medical/clinical and resort/spa roles differ a lot in pay.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Nevada include:
- Casal Institute of Nevada — Certificate
- College of Southern Nevada — Certificate
- European Massage Therapy School-Las Vegas — Certificate
- Milan Institute-Sparks — 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 Nevada?
The median wage for massage therapists in Nevada is $53,540 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $25,230, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $121,980. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Nevada?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), overseen by the Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy. Complete a board-recognized program of at least ~625 hours (sources cite 550–625; confirm current minimum).
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Nevada?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which Nevada metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among Nevada metro areas, Las Vegas leads at $53,540, followed by Reno ($47,560). 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 Nevada?
Real Nevada options include Casal Institute of Nevada, College of Southern Nevada, European Massage Therapy School-Las Vegas. Most massage therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Massage Therapist a growing career in Nevada?
Nevada projects massage therapists employment to change +33.5% from 2022 to 2032 — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Nevada statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the Nevada 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 Nevada wages · Nevada 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.