Massage Therapist in Indiana

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

Median annual salary
$52,740
trending_down -9.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Indiana.

engineering
1,240

Jobs (IN)

monitoring Surging
+15.4%

10-yr job growth

payments
$365

Licensing fees

schedule
6-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a massage therapist in Indiana

To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Indiana, applicants must complete a minimum of 625 hours of supervised classroom instruction from an approved massage therapy program and pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or other board-approved exam. They must also be at least 18 years old, of good moral character, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, obtain professional liability insurance, and complete a criminal background check. Indiana offers licensure by endorsement for those licensed in other states with comparable requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $35,230
25th percentile $39,300
50th (median) $52,740
75th percentile $71,480
90th (experienced) $79,580

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

checklist Indiana requirements

Licensing bodyIndiana State Board of Massage Therapy
State license Required
Education625-hour training program
ExamMassage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265)
Application fee$100
RenewalEvery 4.0 years
Continuing education24.0 hours per cycle
ReciprocityIndiana offers endorsement for out-of-state licensees meeting equivalent education, exam, and character requirements.Reciprocal states: Available by endorsement for applicants licensed in another state with equivalent or stricter requirements, who are at least 18 years old, of good moral character, have at least 600 hours of instruction, and passed an approved exam (FSMTB or NCBTMB). Proof of fingerprint processing is also required.
NotesApplicants must be at least 18 years of age, of good moral character, and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Professional liability insurance and a criminal background check with fingerprinting are also required. Indiana transitioned from 'certification' to 'licensure' for massage therapists.

Source: Indiana State Board of Massage Therapy

Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Indiana? See whether Indiana 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_circleIndiana license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+15.4%)
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
Wondering if a massage therapist career is the right fit?
See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.
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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a massage therapist in Indiana? expand_more
To become a massage therapist in Indiana, you need to complete the required education (625-hour training program), pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), and submit your application ($100 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a massage therapist in Indiana? expand_more
A state license is required in Indiana. Indiana State Board of Massage Therapy handles massage therapist licensing — the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) is part of the process.
How much does a massage therapist make in Indiana? expand_more
The median massage therapist salary in Indiana is $52,740 per year. This trails the $57,950 national median by 9%. The range spans from $35,230 at the entry level to $79,580 for top earners.
What's the total cost to get massage therapist certified in Indiana? expand_more
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($265) and application fee ($100) plus your education and training.
How long does it take to become a massage therapist in Indiana? expand_more
The typical timeline in Indiana is 6-12 months. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.
How many CE hours do massage therapists need in Indiana? expand_more
Yes — massage therapists in Indiana must complete 24.0 CE hours every 4.0 years to stay licensed.

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