Massage Therapist in Colorado

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

Median annual salary

$59,560

trending_up +2.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Colorado.

engineering

4,160

Jobs (CO)

monitoring Surging

+15.4%

10-yr job growth

payments

$345

Licensing fees

schedule

6-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a massage therapist in Colorado

To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Colorado, individuals must obtain a state license from the Colorado Office of Massage Therapy Licensure. Key steps include completing a massage therapy program of at least 500 hours, passing an approved examination such as the MBLEx, and submitting an application with an $80 fee. Applicants must also undergo a fingerprint-based background check and carry professional liability insurance. Colorado offers licensure by endorsement for those licensed in other states with comparable requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $46,520

25th percentile $53,610

50th (median) $59,560

75th percentile $78,810

90th (experienced) $100,770

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

checklist Colorado requirements

Licensing body	Colorado Office of Massage Therapy Licensure
State license	Required
Education	500-hour training program
Exam	Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265)
Application fee	$80
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Requires liability insurance and a fingerprint-based background check. Some cities/counties may have additional business licensing requirements.

Source: Colorado Office of Massage Therapy Licensure

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_circleColorado 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?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a massage therapist in Colorado? expand_more

Colorado requires massage therapists to complete the required education (500-hour training program), pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), and submit your application ($80 fee).

Is a massage therapist license required in Colorado? expand_more

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

What is the average massage therapist salary in Colorado? expand_more

massage therapists in Colorado earn a median of $59,560 annually. This is close to the national median of $57,950. The range spans from $46,520 at the entry level to $100,770 for top earners.

What are the fees to become a massage therapist in Colorado? expand_more

Between exam fee ($265) and application fee ($80), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How quickly can I become a massage therapist in Colorado? expand_more

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