Massage Therapist in Arkansas

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

Median annual salary

$31,280

trending_down -46.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Arkansas.

engineering

320

Jobs (AR)

monitoring Surging

+15.4%

10-yr job growth

payments

$445

Licensing fees

schedule

Varies (requires 500 hours of training, exam, and background check)

Time to complete

route How to become a massage therapist in Arkansas

To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Arkansas, individuals must complete a minimum of 500 hours of training from a state-approved massage therapy school. Applicants must pass a licensing exam, such as the MBLEx, or the NCETM/NCETMB, and a state examination verifying knowledge of the Massage Therapy Act and rules. The application process includes a state and federal criminal background check, proof of being at least 18 years old, and payment of fees to the Arkansas Department of Health, Massage Therapy Section. While Arkansas has enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact), it is not yet fully implemented for multistate licenses.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $23,040

25th percentile $24,310

50th (median) $31,280

75th percentile $41,760

90th (experienced) $63,430

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

checklist Arkansas requirements

Licensing body	Arkansas Department of Health, Massage Therapy Section
State license	Required
Education	500-hour training program
Exam	Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM) or National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCETMB) ($265)
Application fee	$180
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	18.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age 18. Requires a state and federal criminal background check. Must also complete a CPR course. Only 6 of the 18 CE hours can be from online/in-home courses. Arkansas has also enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact), but it is not yet active for multistate licenses as more states need to join.

Source: Arkansas Department of Health, Massage Therapy Section

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_circleArkansas 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

What's required to work as a massage therapist in Arkansas? expand_more

To become a massage therapist in Arkansas, you need to complete the required education (500-hour training program), pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM) or National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCETMB), and submit your application ($180 fee).

Does Arkansas require massage therapist licensure? expand_more

A state license is required in Arkansas. Arkansas Department of Health, Massage Therapy Section handles massage therapist licensing — the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM) or National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCETMB) is part of the process.

How much do massage therapists make in Arkansas? expand_more

The median massage therapist salary in Arkansas is $31,280 per year. This trails the $57,950 national median by 46%. The range spans from $23,040 at the entry level to $63,430 for top earners.

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

Between exam fee ($265) and application fee ($180), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

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

Expect to spend Varies (requires 500 hours of training, exam, and background check) from start to finish in Arkansas — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

What's required to renew a massage therapist license in Arkansas? expand_more

License renewal in Arkansas requires completing 18.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.