Massage Therapist in Alabama

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$48,960

trending_down -15.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Alabama.

engineering

510

Jobs (AL)

monitoring Surging

+15.4%

10-yr job growth

payments

$415

Licensing fees

schedule

6-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a massage therapist in Alabama

To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Alabama, you must complete a minimum of 650 hours of instruction from an Alabama state board-approved massage therapy program. You are also required to pass either the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or the NCBTMB Examination. The application process involves submitting official transcripts, proof of a $1,000,000 personal liability insurance, and undergoing a national fingerprint-based background check. Alabama offers reciprocity for licensees from states with equivalent or more stringent requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $24,930

25th percentile $31,610

50th (median) $48,960

75th percentile $65,150

90th (experienced) $89,750

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Alabama. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Alabama requirements

Licensing body	Alabama Board of Massage Therapy
State license	Required
Education	650-hour training program
Exam	Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or NCBTMB Examination ($265)
Application fee	$150
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	16.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Requires liability insurance ($1,000,000 coverage) and a national fingerprint-based background check. Minimum age is 18. Effective June 2026, 8 of the 16 CE hours must be board-approved and cover legal aspects of massage therapy practice, disciplinary procedures, human trafficking awareness, and illegal practice.

Source: Alabama Board of Massage Therapy

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+15.4%

Much faster than average

Annual openings

24,700

Nationwide per year

Total employment

168,000

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -1.41/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleAlabama license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+15.4%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a massage therapist career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a massage therapist in Alabama? expand_more

Alabama requires massage therapists to complete the required education (650-hour training program), pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or NCBTMB Examination, and submit your application ($150 fee).

Is a massage therapist license required in Alabama? expand_more

You cannot practice as a massage therapist in Alabama without a state license from Alabama Board of Massage Therapy. The required exam is the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or NCBTMB Examination.

What do massage therapists earn in Alabama? expand_more

The median massage therapist salary in Alabama is $48,960 per year. This trails the $57,950 national median by 16%. The range spans from $24,930 at the entry level to $89,750 for top earners.

How much does it cost to become a massage therapist in Alabama? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($265) and application fee ($150). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How long does it take to become a massage therapist in Alabama? expand_more

Most candidates in Alabama complete the process in 6-12 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

Does Alabama require continuing education for massage therapists? expand_more

Yes — massage therapists in Alabama must complete 16.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.