Massage Therapist in Washington: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Washington employs 3,740 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $87,360 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Washington licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in Washington (May 2025)
- Washington median pay
- $87,360 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $61,850
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $97,550
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $115,800
- Employed in Washington
- 3,740
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Washington markets:
- Seattle–Tacoma
- $94,220 (2,230 employed)
- Bellingham
- $83,790 (140 employed)
- Tri-Cities
- $79,950 (80 employed)
- Olympia
- $78,320 (200 employed)
- Spokane
- $77,150 (370 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Washington
Prices in Washington run about 7% above the national average (cost-of-living index 107.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $87,360 median is worth closer to $81,645 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Washington (2024–2034)
Washington is projected to grow massage therapists employment +29.7%, faster than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 2,020 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Washington License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — regulated by the Washington State Department of Health.
- Complete a minimum of 500 hours of education from a WA DOH-approved massage therapy school, including 130 hours of anatomy/physiology/kinesiology, 50 hours of pathology, 265 hours of theory and massage practice, and 55 hours of business and clinical practice.
- Pass the MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination) and the WA state jurisprudence exam. A 4-hour HIV/AIDS education course is also required.
- Apply to the WA Department of Health for your LMT license. Renew every two years with 24 CE hours.
Official requirements: Washington State Department of Health →
Training in Washington
Washington has many DOH-approved massage schools in Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, and Spokane. The Seattle-Tacoma metro has one of the strongest massage markets in the country — spa chains, sports medicine clinics, chiropractic offices, and private practice all hire LMTs. Self-employment is common within 1–2 years of licensure.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Washington include:
- Bellingham Technical College — Certificate
- Carrington College-Spokane — Certificate
- Clover Park Technical College — Certificate
- Elite Cosmetology Barber & Spa 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 Washington?
The median wage for massage therapists in Washington is $87,360 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $61,850, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $115,800. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Washington?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), overseen by the Washington State Department of Health. Complete a minimum of 500 hours of education from a WA DOH-approved massage therapy school, including 130 hours of anatomy/physiology/kinesiology, 50 hours of pathology, 265 hours of theory and massage practice, and 55 hours of business and clinical practice.
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Washington?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which Washington metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among Washington metro areas, Seattle–Tacoma leads at $94,220, followed by Bellingham ($83,790), Tri-Cities ($79,950). 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 Washington?
Real Washington options include Bellingham Technical College, Carrington College-Spokane, Clover Park Technical 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 Washington?
Washington projects massage therapists employment to change +29.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 2,020 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), Washington statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the Washington State Department of Health (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 Washington wages · Washington 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.