Massage Therapist in Missouri

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

Median annual salary

$66,870

trending_up +15.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Missouri.

engineering

1,280

Jobs (MO)

monitoring Surging

+15.4%

10-yr job growth

payments

$390

Licensing fees

schedule

6-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a massage therapist in Missouri

To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Missouri, applicants must complete a minimum of 500 hours of supervised classroom and clinical instruction from an accredited school. They must then pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) and submit an application with a fee of $125 to the Missouri Board of Therapeutic Massage. A criminal background check with fingerprinting is also required, and applicants must be at least 18 years old. Missouri offers reciprocity for licenses from other states with equivalent requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $39,890

25th percentile $48,360

50th (median) $66,870

75th percentile $91,580

90th (experienced) $98,540

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

checklist Missouri requirements

Licensing body	Missouri Board of Therapeutic Massage
State license	Required
Education	500-hour training program
Exam	Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265)
Application fee	$125
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	12.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Requires a background check and applicants must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

Source: Missouri Board of Therapeutic Massage

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_circleMissouri 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.

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Frequently asked questions

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

The path to massage therapist licensure in Missouri: complete the required education (500-hour training program), pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), and submit your application ($125 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a massage therapist in Missouri? expand_more

Missouri mandates state licensure for massage therapists. Missouri Board of Therapeutic Massage oversees the process, which includes passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).

How much does a massage therapist make in Missouri? expand_more

Missouri massage therapists bring home a median salary of $66,870. This exceeds the $57,950 national median by 15%. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $39,890, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $98,540.

How expensive is massage therapist licensing in Missouri? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($265) and application fee ($125). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How quickly can I become a massage therapist in Missouri? expand_more

Most candidates in Missouri complete the process in 6-12 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

Does Missouri require continuing education for massage therapists? expand_more

Yes — massage therapists in Missouri must complete 12.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.