Massage Therapist in North Carolina: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
North Carolina employs 2,460 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $60,650 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact North Carolina licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in North Carolina (May 2025)
- North Carolina median pay
- $60,650 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $31,050
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $85,150
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $96,510
- Employed in North Carolina
- 2,460
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major North Carolina markets:
- Raleigh
- $71,480 (650 employed)
- Winston-Salem
- $70,120 (70 employed)
- Greensboro
- $63,250 (130 employed)
- Charlotte metro
- $58,930 (930 employed)
- Asheville
- $47,780 (130 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in North Carolina
Prices in North Carolina run about 6% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $60,650 median stretches to roughly $64,316 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in North Carolina (2024–2034)
North Carolina is projected to grow massage therapists employment +17.2%, faster than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 700 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
North Carolina License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist (LMBT) — North Carolina — regulated by the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy.
- Complete a minimum of 500 training hours from a NC Board-approved massage therapy program, covering anatomy, physiology, massage technique, ethics, and North Carolina law.
- Pass the MBLEx. Apply to the NC Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy for LMBT licensure.
- Renew every 2 years with 24 CE hours. Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, and the Research Triangle are the strongest employment markets; Asheville's wellness and tourism economy also supports active massage employment.
Official requirements: North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy →
Training in North Carolina
NC Board-approved massage schools are available in Charlotte, Raleigh, and throughout the state. Charlotte's growing healthcare and corporate wellness market, combined with Raleigh-Durham's tech sector workforce, creates strong LMT demand. Asheville is particularly notable for bodywork tourism and holistic health employment.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in North Carolina include:
- Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College — Certificate
- Carteret Community College — Certificate
- Center for Massage — Certificate
- College of Wilmington — 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 North Carolina?
The median wage for massage therapists in North Carolina is $60,650 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $31,050, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $96,510. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in North Carolina?
Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist (LMBT) — North Carolina, overseen by the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy. Complete a minimum of 500 training hours from a NC Board-approved massage therapy program, covering anatomy, physiology, massage technique, ethics, and North Carolina law.
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in North Carolina?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which North Carolina metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among North Carolina metro areas, Raleigh leads at $71,480, followed by Winston-Salem ($70,120), Greensboro ($63,250). 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 North Carolina?
Real North Carolina options include Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Carteret Community College, Center for Massage. Most massage therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Massage Therapist a growing career in North Carolina?
North Carolina projects massage therapists employment to change +17.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 700 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), North Carolina statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork 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 North Carolina wages · North Carolina 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.