Massage Therapist in Texas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Texas employs 8,630 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $59,370 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Texas licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in Texas (May 2025)
- Texas median pay
- $59,370 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $34,870
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $73,910
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $109,970
- Employed in Texas
- 8,630
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Texas markets:
- Dallas–Fort Worth
- $59,010 (2,930 employed)
- San Antonio
- $56,870 (790 employed)
- El Paso
- $46,820 (190 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Texas
Prices in Texas run about 3% below the national average (cost-of-living index 97.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $59,370 median stretches to roughly $61,143 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Texas (2024–2034)
Texas is projected to grow massage therapists employment +23.9%, faster than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 2,100 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Texas License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
- Graduate from a TDLR-approved massage therapy school with a minimum of 500 training hours covering anatomy, physiology, massage theory, and clinical practice.
- Pass the MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination) — the national standard exam accepted by TDLR. Score 630/900 or higher to pass.
- Apply to TDLR for your LMT license ($116 application fee); pass a background check. Renew biennially with 12 CE hours.
Official requirements: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) →
Training in Texas
Texas has hundreds of TDLR-approved massage schools. The Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth markets are the strongest for LMT employment — large spa chains (Massage Envy, Hand & Stone), sports medicine practices, and chiropractic offices are major employers. Self-employment is common; many LMTs build a private clientele within 2–3 years.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Texas include:
- Amarillo College — Certificate
- Avenue Five Institute — Certificate
- Central Texas College — Certificate
- Cortiva Institute-Arlington — 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 Texas?
The median wage for massage therapists in Texas is $59,370 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $34,870, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $109,970. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Texas?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), overseen by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Graduate from a TDLR-approved massage therapy school with a minimum of 500 training hours covering anatomy, physiology, massage theory, and clinical practice.
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Texas?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which Texas metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among Texas metro areas, Dallas–Fort Worth leads at $59,010, followed by San Antonio ($56,870), El Paso ($46,820). 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 Texas?
Real Texas options include Amarillo College, Avenue Five Institute, Central Texas 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 Texas?
Texas projects massage therapists employment to change +23.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 2,100 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), Texas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) (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 Texas wages · Texas 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.