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Massage Therapist in Virginia: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

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Virginia employs 2,730 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $62,220 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Virginia licensing picture, and where to train.

What Massage therapists Earn in Virginia (May 2025)

Virginia median pay: $62,220 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $38,070
Experienced (75th percentile): $93,600
Top earners (90th percentile): $119,570
Employed in Virginia: 2,730
U.S. median (for comparison): $54,660 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Virginia markets:

Washington DC metro: $65,220 (1,540 employed)
Roanoke: $63,070 (60 employed)
Charlottesville: $58,450 (100 employed)
Richmond: $57,730 (490 employed)
Virginia Beach–Norfolk: $57,510 (540 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Virginia

Prices in Virginia run about 1% above the national average (cost-of-living index 101.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $62,220 median is worth closer to $61,543 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Virginia (2024–2034)

Virginia is projected to grow massage therapists employment +21.5%, faster than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 550 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Virginia License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — Virginia — regulated by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) — Board of Nursing (Massage Therapy).

Complete a minimum of 500 training hours from a Virginia Board of Nursing-approved massage therapy program (massage therapy is regulated under the Board of Nursing in Virginia), covering anatomy, physiology, massage technique, ethics, and Virginia law.
Pass the MBLEx. Apply to DPOR for LMT licensure.
Renew every 2 years with 15 CE hours. Northern Virginia (DC metro extension) is the premium market; Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Charlottesville also have active LMT employment.

Official requirements: Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) — Board of Nursing (Massage Therapy) →

Training in Virginia

DPOR-approved massage programs are available in Northern Virginia and throughout the state. Northern Virginia LMT wages reflect the DC metro premium — among the highest in the South Atlantic region. The large federal employee and military community in NoVA and Hampton Roads creates strong demand for sports and rehabilitative massage.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Virginia include:

Avi Career Training — Certificate
Brightpoint Community College — Certificate
Cayce/Reilly School of Massage — Certificate
Centura College-Chesapeake — 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 Virginia?

The median wage for massage therapists in Virginia is $62,220 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $38,070, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $119,570. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Virginia?

Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — Virginia, overseen by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) — Board of Nursing (Massage Therapy). Complete a minimum of 500 training hours from a Virginia Board of Nursing-approved massage therapy program (massage therapy is regulated under the Board of Nursing in Virginia), covering anatomy, physiology, massage technique, ethics, and Virginia law.

Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Virginia?

Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.

Which Virginia metros pay massage therapists the most?

Among Virginia metro areas, Washington DC metro leads at $65,220, followed by Roanoke ($63,070), Charlottesville ($58,450). 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 Virginia?

Real Virginia options include Avi Career Training, Brightpoint Community College, Cayce/Reilly School of 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 Virginia?

Virginia projects massage therapists employment to change +21.5% 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), Virginia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) — Board of Nursing (Massage 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 Virginia wages · Virginia 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.