Massage Therapist in Delaware

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

Median annual salary

$53,920

trending_down -7.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Delaware.

monitoring Surging

+15.4%

10-yr job growth

payments

$440

Licensing fees

schedule

6-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a massage therapist in Delaware

To become a Licensed Massage Therapist in Delaware, individuals must register with the Delaware Board of Massage and Bodywork. Key steps include completing a supervised in-class training program of at least 500 hours (or 625 hours if education began on or after July 1, 2024) and passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). Applicants must also be at least 18 years old, pass a criminal background check, and hold current CPR certification (online courses are not accepted). Delaware offers reciprocity for licensed massage therapists from other states who meet equivalent requirements and have practiced continuously for at least two years.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $45,090

25th percentile $47,680

50th (median) $53,920

75th percentile $81,520

90th (experienced) $108,090

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

checklist Delaware requirements

Licensing body	Delaware Board of Massage and Bodywork
State license	Required
Education	500-hour training program (625 hours for students starting on or after July 1, 2024)
Exam	Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265)
Application fee	$175
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Requires current CPR certification (online courses not accepted). Minimum age 18. Must pass a criminal background check. 50% of CE hours must be hands-on classroom setting. Individuals with lower limb amputee status are exempt from CPR certification.

Source: Delaware Board of Massage and Bodywork

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_circleDelaware 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 Delaware? expand_more

The path to massage therapist licensure in Delaware: complete the required education (500-hour training program (625 hours for students starting on or after July 1, 2024)), pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), and submit your application ($175 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a massage therapist in Delaware? expand_more

You cannot practice as a massage therapist in Delaware without a state license from Delaware Board of Massage and Bodywork. The required exam is the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).

What do massage therapists earn in Delaware? expand_more

The median massage therapist salary in Delaware is $53,920 per year. This trails the $57,950 national median by 7%. The range spans from $45,090 at the entry level to $108,090 for top earners.

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

Between exam fee ($265) and application fee ($175), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

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

Expect to spend 6-12 months from start to finish in Delaware — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

Does Delaware require continuing education for massage therapists? expand_more

To keep your license active, Delaware mandates 24.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.