Massage Therapist in Arizona
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AZ. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Arizona.
Jobs (AZ)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
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
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Arizona. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Arizona requirements
| Licensing body | Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 700-hour training program |
| Exam | Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or NCBTMB Board Certification Exam ($265) |
| Application fee | $217 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Arizona offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees with equivalent standards or NCBTMB certification.Reciprocal states: Arizona offers reciprocity for applicants licensed in another state with substantially equivalent standards for at least two of the last five years, or for those holding current NCBTMB certification with at least 500 hours of education. |
| Notes | Applicants 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
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Arizona? See whether Arizona recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Massage Therapist license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
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
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