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
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

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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