Massage Therapist in Iowa
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Iowa.
Jobs (IA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
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
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Iowa. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Iowa requirements
| Licensing body | Iowa Board of Massage Therapy |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 600-hour training program |
| Exam | Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or NCETMB/NCETM credentialing exam ($265) |
| Application fee | $120 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 16.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Iowa offers endorsement for out-of-state licensees meeting similar or exceeding education and exam standards.Reciprocal states: Iowa allows licensure by endorsement for applicants from other states or the District of Columbia if their licensure requirements are similar to or exceed Iowa's standards (600 hours of education). Applicants must provide official license verification from all states where they have been licensed, including issue date, expiration date, status, and any disciplinary actions, and official transcripts. Proof of passing an approved national examination (MBLEx or NCBTMB) is also required. |
| Notes | Applicants 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
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Iowa? See whether Iowa 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
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
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
Compare Massage Therapist head-to-head
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