Massage Therapist in New Hampshire: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
New Hampshire employs 270 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $80,360 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New Hampshire licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in New Hampshire (May 2025)
- New Hampshire median pay
- $80,360 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $36,500
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $100,550
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $114,400
- Employed in New Hampshire
- 270
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major New Hampshire markets:
- Manchester
- $80,360 (110 employed)
- Boston
- $75,160 (2,180 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in New Hampshire
Prices in New Hampshire run about 4% above the national average (cost-of-living index 104.2 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $80,360 median is worth closer to $77,121 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in New Hampshire (2024–2034)
New Hampshire is projected to grow massage therapists employment +6.4%, slower than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 230 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
New Hampshire License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — regulated by the New Hampshire OPLC — Board of Massage Therapists.
- Graduate from a massage therapy school with a 750-hour curriculum meeting NH rules.
- Pass the MBLEx.
- Apply to the NH Board of Massage Therapists (OPLC).
Official requirements: New Hampshire OPLC — Board of Massage Therapists →
Training in New Hampshire
750 hours is on the higher end. Medical/clinical and resort/spa roles differ a lot in pay.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in New Hampshire include:
- Great Bay Community College — Certificate
- Nashua Community College — Certificate
- River Valley Community College — Certificate
- White Mountains 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 New Hampshire?
The median wage for massage therapists in New Hampshire is $80,360 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $36,500, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $114,400. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in New Hampshire?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), overseen by the New Hampshire OPLC — Board of Massage Therapists. Graduate from a massage therapy school with a 750-hour curriculum meeting NH rules.
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in New Hampshire?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which New Hampshire metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among New Hampshire metro areas, Manchester leads at $80,360, followed by Boston ($75,160). 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 New Hampshire?
Real New Hampshire options include Great Bay Community College, Nashua Community College, River Valley 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 New Hampshire?
New Hampshire projects massage therapists employment to change +6.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 230 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), New Hampshire statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the New Hampshire OPLC — Board of Massage Therapists (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 New Hampshire wages · New Hampshire 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.