Massage Therapist in Oregon: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Oregon employs 2,250 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $86,970 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Oregon licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in Oregon (May 2025)
- Oregon median pay
- $86,970 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $47,270
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $96,870
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $103,630
- Employed in Oregon
- 2,250
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Oregon markets:
- Salem
- $96,080 (160 employed)
- Bend
- $94,580 (210 employed)
- Portland
- $84,730 (1,580 employed)
- Eugene
- $83,880 (180 employed)
- Medford
- $82,370 (150 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Oregon
Prices in Oregon run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $86,970 median is worth closer to $84,110 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Oregon (2024–2034)
Oregon is projected to grow massage therapists employment +10.8%, slower than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 550 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Oregon License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — regulated by the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists (OBMT).
- Complete 625 hours at an approved school (including 200 hours of health sciences and 300 hours of massage theory/practice).
- Pass the MBLEx and the Oregon practical exam.
- Apply to the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists.
Official requirements: Oregon Board of Massage Therapists (OBMT) →
Training in Oregon
Oregon has a robust massage market and a well-defined license path. Medical/clinical and resort/spa roles differ a lot in pay.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Oregon include:
- Carrington College-Portland — Certificate
- Central Oregon Community College — Certificate
- East West College of the Healing Arts — Certificate
- Rogue 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 Oregon?
The median wage for massage therapists in Oregon is $86,970 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $47,270, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $103,630. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Oregon?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), overseen by the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists (OBMT). Complete 625 hours at an approved school (including 200 hours of health sciences and 300 hours of massage theory/practice).
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Oregon?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which Oregon metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among Oregon metro areas, Salem leads at $96,080, followed by Bend ($94,580), Portland ($84,730). 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 Oregon?
Real Oregon options include Carrington College-Portland, Central Oregon Community College, East West College of the 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 Oregon?
Oregon projects massage therapists employment to change +10.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 550 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), Oregon statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists (OBMT) (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 Oregon wages · Oregon 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.