Massage Therapist in Mississippi

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

Median annual salary

$42,510

trending_down -26.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Mississippi.

engineering

190

Jobs (MS)

monitoring Surging

+15.4%

10-yr job growth

payments

$415

Licensing fees

schedule

Varies (application must be completed within 24 months of initial submission)

Time to complete

route How to become a massage therapist in Mississippi

To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Mississippi, applicants must complete a board-approved massage education program of at least 700 hours, consisting of 600 hours of academic coursework and 100 hours of supervised student clinic. Candidates must pass both the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) and the Mississippi State Law Exam (MSLE). Additionally, applicants must be at least 18 years old, undergo a criminal background check, hold current CPR and First Aid certifications, and complete a course on communicable diseases. Reciprocity is available for those licensed in states with equivalent or higher standards and at least three years of experience, provided they pass the MSLE.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $26,080

25th percentile $30,410

50th (median) $42,510

75th percentile $51,260

90th (experienced) $123,060

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

checklist Mississippi requirements

Licensing body	Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy
State license	Required
Education	700 hours of supervised, in-class education (600 hours academic coursework, 100 hours supervised student clinic)
Exam	Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) AND Mississippi State Law Exam (MSLE) ($365)
Application fee	$50
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age 18. Requires a criminal background check (state and federal fingerprint-based), CPR and First Aid certification (8 hours of training, including practical testing), and an approved course on communicable diseases (including HIV/AIDS information and prevention). Professional liability insurance is required.

Source: Mississippi State 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_circleMississippi 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.

arrow_forward

Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a massage therapist in Mississippi? expand_more

In Mississippi, becoming a massage therapist requires you to complete the required education (700 hours of supervised, in-class education (600 hours academic coursework, 100 hours supervised student clinic)), pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) AND Mississippi State Law Exam (MSLE), and submit your application ($50 fee).

Is a massage therapist license required in Mississippi? expand_more

You cannot practice as a massage therapist in Mississippi without a state license from Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy. The required exam is the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) AND Mississippi State Law Exam (MSLE).

How much does a massage therapist make in Mississippi? expand_more

Mississippi massage therapists bring home a median salary of $42,510. That's 27% below the national median of $57,950. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $26,080, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $123,060.

How much does it cost to become a massage therapist in Mississippi? expand_more

Between exam fee ($365) and application fee ($50), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How long does it take to become a massage therapist in Mississippi? expand_more

The typical timeline in Mississippi is Varies (application must be completed within 24 months of initial submission). This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

What are the continuing education requirements for massage therapists in Mississippi? expand_more

Mississippi requires 24.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your massage therapist license.