Massage Therapist in Idaho

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

Median annual salary
$70,470
trending_up +21.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Idaho.

engineering
270

Jobs (ID)

monitoring Surging
+15.4%

10-yr job growth

payments
$390

Licensing fees

schedule
6-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a massage therapist in Idaho

To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Idaho, applicants must obtain a state license from the Idaho Board of Massage Therapy. Key steps include completing a minimum 500-hour massage training program from an approved school and passing either the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or the NCBTMB exam. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Idaho also offers licensure by endorsement for those currently licensed in other states with comparable requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $35,040
25th percentile $63,240
50th (median) $70,470
75th percentile $75,270
90th (experienced) $85,630

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

checklist Idaho requirements

Licensing bodyIdaho Board of Massage Therapy
State license Required
Education500-hour training program
ExamMassage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or NCBTMB exam ($265)
Application fee$125
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education6.0 hours per cycle
ReciprocityIdaho offers endorsement for out-of-state licensees with equivalent or higher standards and good standing.Reciprocal states: Idaho offers licensure by endorsement for applicants holding a current, active license in another state with substantially equivalent or higher licensing requirements, provided the license is in good standing and there have been no disciplinary actions. Applicants must also be of good moral character and have no drug offense convictions. A copy of the other state's licensing laws and regulations is required.
NotesRequires applicant to be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent. 1 hour of the 6 CE hours per cycle must be in ethics. As of May 19, 2025, the Board began transitioning to biennial licensure.

Source: Idaho Board of Massage Therapy

Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Idaho? See whether Idaho 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_circleIdaho 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 are the steps to becoming a massage therapist in Idaho? expand_more
Idaho requires massage therapists to complete the required education (500-hour training program), pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or NCBTMB exam, and submit your application ($125 fee).
Is a massage therapist license required in Idaho? expand_more
You cannot practice as a massage therapist in Idaho without a state license from Idaho Board of Massage Therapy. The required exam is the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or NCBTMB exam.
How much do massage therapists make in Idaho? expand_more
Idaho massage therapists bring home a median salary of $70,470. — 22% higher than the $57,950 national figure. Wages range from $35,040 (10th percentile) up to $85,630 (90th percentile).
What's the total cost to get massage therapist certified in Idaho? expand_more
Between exam fee ($265) and application fee ($125), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
How many months or years does massage therapist certification take in Idaho? expand_more
Most candidates in Idaho complete the process in 6-12 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.
Does Idaho require continuing education for massage therapists? expand_more
Idaho requires 6.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your massage therapist license.

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