Massage Therapist in Connecticut

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

Median annual salary

$59,270

trending_up +2.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Connecticut.

engineering

990

Jobs (CT)

monitoring Surging

+15.4%

10-yr job growth

payments

$645

Licensing fees

schedule

6-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a massage therapist in Connecticut

To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Connecticut, individuals must register with the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health. Key steps include completing a minimum of 750 hours of classroom instruction and 60 hours of unpaid clinical or internship experience from an accredited program, passing the MBLEx exam, and submitting an online application with a fee of $379.75. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, undergo a background check, and maintain professional liability insurance. Connecticut also offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state licensees who meet specific criteria, and is considering the Interstate Massage Compact to facilitate practice across states.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $32,640

25th percentile $44,190

50th (median) $59,270

75th percentile $66,020

90th (experienced) $89,380

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

checklist Connecticut requirements

Licensing body	Connecticut Department of Public Health
State license	Required
Education	750 hours of classroom instruction and 60 hours of unpaid clinical or internship experience
Experience	60.0 hours
Exam	Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265)
Application fee	$380
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age 18. Requires a background check. Professional liability insurance with minimum coverage of $250,000 per occurrence with an aggregate of at least $1 million is required.

Source: Connecticut Department of Public Health

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_circleConnecticut 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 Connecticut? expand_more

To become a massage therapist in Connecticut, you need to complete the required education (750 hours of classroom instruction and 60 hours of unpaid clinical or internship experience), gain 60.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), and submit your application ($380 fee).

Is a massage therapist license required in Connecticut? expand_more

Yes, Connecticut requires a state license to practice as a massage therapist. The licensing body is Connecticut Department of Public Health. You must pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).

How much do massage therapists make in Connecticut? expand_more

The median massage therapist salary in Connecticut is $59,270 per year. This is close to the national median of $57,950. Wages range from $32,640 (10th percentile) up to $89,380 (90th percentile).

What's the total cost to get massage therapist certified in Connecticut? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($265) and application fee ($380). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How many months or years does massage therapist certification take in Connecticut? expand_more

The typical timeline in Connecticut is 6-12 months. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

How many CE hours do massage therapists need in Connecticut? expand_more

Yes — massage therapists in Connecticut must complete 24.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.