Massage Therapist in Colorado
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for CO. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Colorado.
Jobs (CO)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
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
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 |
| Reciprocity | Colorado offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state licensees meeting equivalent standards and practice requirements.Reciprocal states: Colorado offers licensure by endorsement for massage therapists licensed in other jurisdictions with equivalent standards. Verification of all out-of-state licenses and proof of active practice (400 hours in 12 of the past 24 months) or 24 hours of continuing education in the past 24 months are required. |
| 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
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Colorado? See whether Colorado 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_circleColorado license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+15.4%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
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