Massage Therapist in Kentucky
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for KY. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Kentucky.
Jobs (KY)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a massage therapist in Kentucky
To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Kentucky, applicants must complete a minimum of 600 hours of instruction from a Kentucky Board of Licensure for Massage Therapy approved school and pass a board-approved examination, such as the MBLEx. Additionally, applicants must be at least 18 years old, of good moral character, and undergo both Kentucky State Police and FBI background checks. The application fee is $200, and licenses must be renewed every two years with 12 hours of continuing education, including 3 hours in ethics.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Kentucky. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Kentucky requirements
| Licensing body | Kentucky Board of Licensure for Massage Therapy |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 600-hour training program |
| Exam | Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265) |
| Application fee | $200 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 12.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Kentucky offers reciprocity/endorsement for out-of-state licensees with equivalent or stricter standards.Reciprocal states: Kentucky offers licensure by reciprocity for individuals holding an active license in another state with equivalent or stricter standards. For those from states with lower standards, the Board may grant a license by endorsement if their education, experience, and credentials are deemed equivalent. |
| Notes | Requires a background check (Kentucky State Police and FBI) and applicants must be at least 18 years of age and of good moral character. |
Source: Kentucky Board of Licensure for Massage Therapy
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Kentucky? See whether Kentucky 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_circleKentucky license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+15.4%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
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