CertOutlook

Massage Therapist in Maryland

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

Median annual salary
$58,390
trending_up +0.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Maryland.

engineering
1,330

Jobs (MD)

monitoring Surging
+15.4%

10-yr job growth

payments
$515

Licensing fees

schedule
6-24 months

Time to complete

route How to become a massage therapist in Maryland

To become a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) in Maryland, you must complete a massage therapy program of at least 750 hours and have 60 college credits or an Associate degree. You'll need to pass both a national examination (like the MBLEx) and the Maryland Jurisprudence Examination, and undergo a criminal background check. The Maryland Board of Massage Therapy Examiners oversees the licensing process, which also requires current CPR certification and an application fee of $250.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $31,200
25th percentile $34,210
50th (median) $58,390
75th percentile $76,800
90th (experienced) $100,260

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

checklist Maryland requirements

Licensing bodyMaryland Board of Massage Therapy Examiners
State license Required
EducationFor Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT): 750 hours of training from an accredited program, plus 60 college credits or an Associate degree. For Registered Massage Practitioner (RMP): 600 hours of training from an accredited program. Note: The RMP credential stopped being issued on October 1, 2023, and after October 31, 2026, only LMTs will be able to practice.
ExamMassage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265)
Application fee$250
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education24.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age is 18. Requires a criminal background check (fingerprinting) and CPR certification. LMTs must have Healthcare Provider level CPR, while RMPs need Basic CPR. All applicants must pass the Maryland Jurisprudence Examination in addition to a national exam.

Source: Maryland Board of Massage Therapy Examiners

workspace_premium Maryland license tiers

Maryland offers multiple tiers of massage therapist licensing:

Tier Hours required
Registered Massage Practitioner (RMP) N/A
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) N/A

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_circleMaryland 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?
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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a massage therapist in Maryland? expand_more
The path to massage therapist licensure in Maryland: complete the required education (For Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT): 750 hours of training from an accredited program, plus 60 college credits or an Associate degree. For Registered Massage Practitioner (RMP): 600 hours of training from an accredited program. Note: The RMP credential stopped being issued on October 1, 2023, and after October 31, 2026, only LMTs will be able to practice.), pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), and submit your application ($250 fee).
Does Maryland require massage therapist licensure? expand_more
Maryland mandates state licensure for massage therapists. Maryland Board of Massage Therapy Examiners oversees the process, which includes passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).
What is the average massage therapist salary in Maryland? expand_more
massage therapists in Maryland earn a median of $58,390 annually. That's roughly in line with the $57,950 national median. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $31,200, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $100,260.
What's the total cost to get massage therapist certified in Maryland? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($265) and application fee ($250) and required training.
How long does it take to become a massage therapist in Maryland? expand_more
Expect to spend 6-24 months from start to finish in Maryland — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
What are the continuing education requirements for massage therapists in Maryland? expand_more
Yes — massage therapists in Maryland must complete 24.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.

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