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 body	Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy
State license	Required
Education	570-hour training program
Exam	Hawaii State Massage Licensing Exam ($90)
Application fee	$50
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	12.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum 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

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.