CertOutlook

Massage Therapist in Michigan

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

Median annual salary
$54,510
trending_down -5.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Michigan.

engineering
2,060

Jobs (MI)

monitoring Surging
+15.4%

10-yr job growth

payments
$465

Licensing fees

schedule
6-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a massage therapist in Michigan

To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Michigan, individuals must complete a minimum of 625 hours of supervised training from a Michigan Board of Massage Therapy approved school and pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). Applicants must also undergo a criminal background check with fingerprinting, be at least 18 years old, and complete one-time training in identifying victims of human trafficking and implicit bias training. Michigan offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees whose qualifications meet or exceed Michigan's standards.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $33,910
25th percentile $46,480
50th (median) $54,510
75th percentile $73,100
90th (experienced) $85,070

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

checklist Michigan requirements

Licensing bodyMichigan Board of Massage Therapy
State license Required
Education625 hours of supervised curriculum from a Michigan Board of Massage Therapy approved school (500 hours if enrolled before August 1, 2017). The curriculum must include specific hours in massage/bodywork theory, technique, and assessment; body systems (kinesiology, anatomy, physiology); business and practice management; ethics; and pathology, plus 40 hours of supervised student clinic practice.
ExamMassage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($195)
Application fee$270
RenewalEvery 3.0 years
Continuing education18.0 hours per cycle
NotesRequires a criminal background check and fingerprinting. Must be at least 18 years of age. Also requires one-time training in identifying victims of human trafficking and implicit bias training (2 hours for initial licensure, 3 hours for renewal, and this does not count towards the 18 CE hours). English language proficiency and a Social Security Number are also required.

Source: Michigan 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_circleMichigan license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+15.4%)
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a massage therapist in Michigan? expand_more
In Michigan, becoming a massage therapist requires you to complete the required education (625 hours of supervised curriculum from a Michigan Board of Massage Therapy approved school (500 hours if enrolled before August 1, 2017). The curriculum must include specific hours in massage/bodywork theory, technique, and assessment; body systems (kinesiology, anatomy, physiology); business and practice management; ethics; and pathology, plus 40 hours of supervised student clinic practice.), pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), and submit your application ($270 fee).
Does Michigan require massage therapist licensure? expand_more
You cannot practice as a massage therapist in Michigan without a state license from Michigan Board of Massage Therapy. The required exam is the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).
How much does a massage therapist make in Michigan? expand_more
Michigan massage therapists bring home a median salary of $54,510. — 6% under the $57,950 national average. New massage therapists start around $33,910; seasoned professionals can reach $85,070.
How expensive is massage therapist licensing in Michigan? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($195) and application fee ($270) and required training.
What's the timeline to become a massage therapist in Michigan? expand_more
Most candidates in Michigan complete the process in 6-12 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.
What are the continuing education requirements for massage therapists in Michigan? expand_more
License renewal in Michigan requires completing 18.0 hours of continuing education on a 3.0-year cycle.

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