Massage Therapist in New York: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
New York employs 4,500 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $62,630 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New York licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in New York (May 2025)
- New York median pay
- $62,630 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $33,280
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $90,030
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $110,210
- Employed in New York
- 4,500
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major New York markets:
- Rochester
- $66,110 (200 employed)
- Albany
- $62,310 (190 employed)
- Buffalo
- $61,830 (210 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in New York
Prices in New York run about 8% above the national average (cost-of-living index 107.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $62,630 median is worth closer to $58,044 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in New York (2024–2034)
New York is projected to grow massage therapists employment +13.5%, slower than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,430 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
New York License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — New York — regulated by the New York State Education Department — Office of the Professions.
- New York has one of the highest training requirements in the country: 1,000 hours of professional education from a NYSED-registered massage therapy program, covering anatomy and physiology, pathology, hands-on technique, and clinical/ethics training.
- Pass the MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination). Apply to the NYSED Office of the Professions for LMT licensure; pass a background check.
- Renew every 3 years with 36 CE hours. New York City and the surrounding metro area are exceptionally strong LMT markets — spa employment, sports massage (professional sports teams, fitness studios), and private practice are all active.
Official requirements: New York State Education Department — Office of the Professions →
Training in New York
New York has NYSED-registered massage therapy programs throughout the state. The 1,000-hour requirement is a significant time and financial investment — programs typically run 12–18 months full-time. NYC wages for LMTs are among the highest in the country; experienced therapists with sports or rehabilitation specialties command premium rates.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in New York include:
- Mildred Elley School-Albany Campus — Certificate
- New York Institute of Massage Inc — Certificate
- New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants — Certificate
- Trocaire 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 York?
The median wage for massage therapists in New York is $62,630 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $33,280, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $110,210. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in New York?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — New York, overseen by the New York State Education Department — Office of the Professions. New York has one of the highest training requirements in the country: 1,000 hours of professional education from a NYSED-registered massage therapy program, covering anatomy and physiology, pathology, hands-on technique, and clinical/ethics training.
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in New York?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which New York metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among New York metro areas, Rochester leads at $66,110, followed by Albany ($62,310), Buffalo ($61,830). 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 York?
Real New York options include Mildred Elley School-Albany Campus, New York Institute of Massage Inc, New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants. 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 York?
New York projects massage therapists employment to change +13.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,430 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 York statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the New York State Education Department — Office of the Professions (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 York wages · New York 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.