CertOutlook

Massage Therapist in Iowa

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

Median annual salary
$62,400
trending_up +7.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Iowa.

engineering
700

Jobs (IA)

monitoring Surging
+15.4%

10-yr job growth

payments
$385

Licensing fees

schedule
6-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a massage therapist in Iowa

To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Iowa, individuals must obtain a license from the Iowa Board of Massage Therapy. Key steps include completing a minimum of 600 hours of education from a board-approved massage therapy program, passing either the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or the NCETMB/NCETM credentialing exam, and submitting an application with a $120 fee. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have current CPR and first aid certification, and pass a background check. Iowa also offers licensure by endorsement for those licensed in other states with comparable requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $41,840
25th percentile $46,950
50th (median) $62,400
75th percentile $75,130
90th (experienced) $91,350

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

checklist Iowa requirements

Licensing bodyIowa Board of Massage Therapy
State license Required
Education600-hour training program
ExamMassage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or NCETMB/NCETM credentialing exam ($265)
Application fee$120
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education16.0 hours per cycle
NotesApplicants must be at least 18 years of age, verify current CPR and first aid certification, and undergo a background check. A minimum of 8 CE hours must be earned through in-person or live, real-time interactive media, and coursework on mandatory reporting is required each renewal period.

Source: Iowa 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_circleIowa 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 Iowa? expand_more
To become a massage therapist in Iowa, you need to complete the required education (600-hour training program), pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or NCETMB/NCETM credentialing exam, and submit your application ($120 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a massage therapist in Iowa? expand_more
You cannot practice as a massage therapist in Iowa without a state license from Iowa Board of Massage Therapy. The required exam is the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or NCETMB/NCETM credentialing exam.
What is the average massage therapist salary in Iowa? expand_more
The median massage therapist salary in Iowa is $62,400 per year. That's 8% above the national median of $57,950. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $41,840, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $91,350.
How expensive is massage therapist licensing in Iowa? expand_more
Costs include exam fee ($265) and application fee ($120). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
What's the timeline to become a massage therapist in Iowa? expand_more
In Iowa, becoming a massage therapist generally takes 6-12 months, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.
What are the continuing education requirements for massage therapists in Iowa? expand_more
License renewal in Iowa requires completing 16.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.

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