Massage Therapist in Utah: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Utah employs 1,840 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $62,130 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Utah licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in Utah (May 2025)
- Utah median pay
- $62,130 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $23,160
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $75,230
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $97,970
- Employed in Utah
- 1,840
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Utah markets:
- St. George
- $72,780 (160 employed)
- Ogden
- $70,430 (340 employed)
- Salt Lake City
- $61,980 (610 employed)
- Provo
- $61,290 (480 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Utah
Prices in Utah run about 1% below the national average (cost-of-living index 98.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $62,130 median stretches to roughly $62,821 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Utah (2024–2034)
Utah is projected to grow massage therapists employment +30.6%, faster than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 540 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Utah License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — regulated by the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL).
- Complete at least 600 hours at an approved school (or a 1,000-hour apprenticeship over at least a year).
- Pass the MBLEx.
- Apply to DOPL (Utah also offers a 300-hour Massage Apprentice/Assistant credential).
Official requirements: Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) →
Training in Utah
600 hours is a moderate path. Medical/clinical and resort/spa roles differ a lot in pay.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Utah include:
- Aveda Institute-Provo — Certificate
- Bridgerland Technical College — Certificate
- Eagle Gate College-Murray — Certificate
- Healing Mountain Massage School — 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 Utah?
The median wage for massage therapists in Utah is $62,130 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $23,160, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $97,970. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Utah?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), overseen by the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). Complete at least 600 hours at an approved school (or a 1,000-hour apprenticeship over at least a year).
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Utah?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which Utah metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among Utah metro areas, St. George leads at $72,780, followed by Ogden ($70,430), Salt Lake City ($61,980). 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 Utah?
Real Utah options include Aveda Institute-Provo, Bridgerland Technical College, Eagle Gate College-Murray. Most massage therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Massage Therapist a growing career in Utah?
Utah projects massage therapists employment to change +30.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 540 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), Utah statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) (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 Utah wages · Utah 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.