Massage Therapist in Hawaii

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

Median annual salary
$80,590
trending_up +39.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Hawaii.

engineering
1,420

Jobs (HI)

monitoring Surging
+15.4%

10-yr job growth

payments
$140

Licensing fees

schedule
6-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a massage therapist in Hawaii

To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Hawaii, applicants must register with the Hawaii State Board of Massage Therapy. Key steps include completing a minimum of 570 hours of massage therapy education from a state-approved program, passing the Hawaii State Massage Licensing Exam, and submitting a comprehensive application. Additionally, applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, undergo a background check, and hold current adult and infant CPR certification with a hands-on component. Hawaii does not offer reciprocity with other states, so out-of-state licensees must apply by endorsement and meet Hawaii's specific requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $35,280
25th percentile $57,870
50th (median) $80,590
75th percentile $109,930
90th (experienced) $161,410

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

checklist Hawaii requirements

Licensing bodyHawaii Board of Massage Therapy
State license Required
Education570-hour training program
ExamHawaii State Massage Licensing Exam ($90)
Application fee$50
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education12.0 hours per cycle
ReciprocityHawaii has no reciprocity; out-of-state licensees must meet Hawaii's education and examination standards.Reciprocal states: Hawaii does not have reciprocity agreements with other states. Applicants licensed in other states must apply for licensure by endorsement and meet Hawaii's education and examination standards.
NotesMinimum age 18. Requires a background check and adult and infant CPR certification (hands-on component required, online-only not accepted). High school diploma or GED is required. 2 of the 12 CE hours must be in first aid, CPR, or emergency-related training with a hands-on component. Practice-building business courses are not accepted for CE hours.

Source: Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy

Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Hawaii? See whether Hawaii 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

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_circleHawaii 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 Hawaii? expand_more
In Hawaii, becoming a massage therapist requires you to complete the required education (570-hour training program), pass the Hawaii State Massage Licensing Exam, and submit your application ($50 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a massage therapist in Hawaii? expand_more
A state license is required in Hawaii. Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy handles massage therapist licensing — the Hawaii State Massage Licensing Exam is part of the process.
What is the average massage therapist salary in Hawaii? expand_more
In Hawaii, the median pay for massage therapists comes to $80,590/year. This exceeds the $57,950 national median by 39%. The range spans from $35,280 at the entry level to $161,410 for top earners.
What are the fees to become a massage therapist in Hawaii? expand_more
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($90) and application fee ($50) plus your education and training.
What's the timeline to become a massage therapist in Hawaii? expand_more
Most candidates in Hawaii complete the process in 6-12 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.
How many CE hours do massage therapists need in Hawaii? expand_more
Yes — massage therapists in Hawaii must complete 12.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.

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