Massage Therapist in Arizona

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

Median annual salary
$59,550
trending_up +2.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Arizona.

engineering
2,840

Jobs (AZ)

monitoring Surging
+15.4%

10-yr job growth

payments
$482

Licensing fees

schedule
6-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a massage therapist in Arizona

To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Arizona, applicants must complete a minimum of 700 hours of education from a board-recognized school. They must then pass either the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or the NCBTMB Board Certification Exam. Finally, applicants must submit a comprehensive application, including fingerprints for a background check and an application fee of $217.00, to the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy. Arizona also offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees who meet specific criteria.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,650
25th percentile $49,740
50th (median) $59,550
75th percentile $81,450
90th (experienced) $90,640

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

checklist Arizona requirements

Licensing bodyArizona State Board of Massage Therapy
State license Required
Education700-hour training program
ExamMassage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or NCBTMB Board Certification Exam ($265)
Application fee$217
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education24.0 hours per cycle
NotesApplicants must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, and provide proof of lawful presence in the United States. A fingerprint and background check are required. If English is not the applicant's native language, a TOEFL or TOEIC exam may be required.

Source: Arizona State 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_circleArizona license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+15.4%)
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a massage therapist in Arizona? expand_more
The path to massage therapist licensure in Arizona: complete the required education (700-hour training program), pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or NCBTMB Board Certification Exam, and submit your application ($217 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a massage therapist in Arizona? expand_more
You cannot practice as a massage therapist in Arizona without a state license from Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy. The required exam is the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or NCBTMB Board Certification Exam.
What is the average massage therapist salary in Arizona? expand_more
massage therapists in Arizona earn a median of $59,550 annually. — within a few percent of the $57,950 national figure. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $37,650, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $90,640.
What's the total cost to get massage therapist certified in Arizona? expand_more
Costs include exam fee ($265) and application fee ($217). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
How long does it take to become a massage therapist in Arizona? expand_more
The typical timeline in Arizona is 6-12 months. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.
What's required to renew a massage therapist license in Arizona? expand_more
License renewal in Arizona requires completing 24.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.

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