Massage Therapist in Florida

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

Median annual salary
$49,880
trending_down -13.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Florida.

engineering
7,660

Jobs (FL)

monitoring Surging
+15.4%

10-yr job growth

payments
$420

Licensing fees

schedule
9-18 months

Time to complete

route How to become a massage therapist in Florida

To become a Licensed Massage Therapist in Florida, individuals must obtain a state license from the Florida Board of Massage Therapy. Key steps include completing a board-approved massage therapy program of 500 or more clock hours, passing a national licensing examination such as the MBLEx, and submitting an application with a fee of $155. Additionally, applicants must complete specific Florida pre-licensure courses, undergo a background check with fingerprinting, and meet age or education prerequisites. Florida also offers a pathway for licensure by endorsement for experienced massage therapists licensed in other states.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $26,760
25th percentile $38,800
50th (median) $49,880
75th percentile $56,960
90th (experienced) $74,490

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

checklist Florida requirements

Licensing bodyFlorida Board of Massage Therapy
State license Required
Education500-hour training program
ExamMassage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or National Certification Exam in Therapeutic Massage (NCETM) ($265)
Application fee$155
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education24.0 hours per cycle
NotesApplicants must be at least 18 years of age or have a high school diploma/GED. A background check and fingerprinting are required. Additionally, applicants must complete a 10-hour Florida Laws and Rules course, a 3-hour HIV/AIDS course, and a 2-hour Prevention of Medical Errors course.

Source: Florida Board of Massage Therapy

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_circleFlorida 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 Florida? expand_more
Florida requires massage therapists to complete the required education (500-hour training program), pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or National Certification Exam in Therapeutic Massage (NCETM), and submit your application ($155 fee).
Does Florida require massage therapist licensure? expand_more
You cannot practice as a massage therapist in Florida without a state license from Florida Board of Massage Therapy. The required exam is the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or National Certification Exam in Therapeutic Massage (NCETM).
How much does a massage therapist make in Florida? expand_more
In Florida, the median pay for massage therapists comes to $49,880/year. — 14% under the $57,950 national average. The range spans from $26,760 at the entry level to $74,490 for top earners.
What's the total cost to get massage therapist certified in Florida? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($265) and application fee ($155) and required training.
What's the timeline to become a massage therapist in Florida? expand_more
In Florida, becoming a massage therapist generally takes 9-18 months, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.
How many CE hours do massage therapists need in Florida? expand_more
License renewal in Florida requires completing 24.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.

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