Massage Therapist in Tennessee: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Tennessee employs 1,230 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $50,070 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Tennessee licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in Tennessee (May 2025)
- Tennessee median pay
- $50,070 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $36,960
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $64,050
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $95,260
- Employed in Tennessee
- 1,230
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Tennessee markets:
- Nashville
- $52,140 (530 employed)
- Chattanooga
- $48,030 (90 employed)
- Memphis
- $47,320 (160 employed)
- Knoxville
- $47,120 (170 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Tennessee
Prices in Tennessee run about 8% below the national average (cost-of-living index 91.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $50,070 median stretches to roughly $54,483 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Tennessee (2024–2034)
Tennessee is projected to grow massage therapists employment +18.3%, faster than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 340 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Tennessee License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — regulated by the Tennessee Board of Massage Licensure.
- Complete a minimum of 650 hours of massage education from a Tennessee Higher Education Commission or Tennessee Board of Regents-approved massage school, including: 200 hours of sciences, 200 hours of massage theory, 85 hours of allied modalities, 10 hours of ethics, and 5 hours of Tennessee massage statutes and regulations.
- Pass the MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination) or NCBTMB exam.
- Apply to the Tennessee Board of Massage Licensure for your LMT license. Renew every two years with 24 CE hours.
Official requirements: Tennessee Board of Massage Licensure →
Training in Tennessee
Tennessee has approved massage schools in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Nashville's large hotel and resort market, sports teams (Titans, Predators, NFL/NHL player facilities), and growing corporate wellness market create strong LMT demand. Self-employment through private practice is common within 2–3 years of licensure.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Tennessee include:
- Chattanooga State Community College — Certificate
- Concorde Career College-Memphis — Certificate
- Genesis Career College-Cookeville — Certificate
- Gould's Academy — 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 Tennessee?
The median wage for massage therapists in Tennessee is $50,070 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $36,960, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $95,260. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Tennessee?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), overseen by the Tennessee Board of Massage Licensure. Complete a minimum of 650 hours of massage education from a Tennessee Higher Education Commission or Tennessee Board of Regents-approved massage school, including: 200 hours of sciences, 200 hours of massage theory, 85 hours of allied modalities, 10 hours of ethics, and 5 hours of Tennessee massage statutes and regulations.
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Tennessee?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which Tennessee metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among Tennessee metro areas, Nashville leads at $52,140, followed by Chattanooga ($48,030), Memphis ($47,320). 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 Tennessee?
Real Tennessee options include Chattanooga State Community College, Concorde Career College-Memphis, Genesis Career College-Cookeville. Most massage therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Massage Therapist a growing career in Tennessee?
Tennessee projects massage therapists employment to change +18.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 340 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), Tennessee statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the Tennessee Board of Massage Licensure (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 Tennessee wages · Tennessee 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.