Massage Therapist in Montana

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

Median annual salary
$52,000
trending_down -10.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Montana.

engineering
280

Jobs (MT)

monitoring Surging
+15.4%

10-yr job growth

payments
$440

Licensing fees

schedule
6-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a massage therapist in Montana

To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Montana, applicants must register with the Montana Board of Massage Therapy. Key steps include completing a minimum of 500 hours of in-class supervised instruction from an approved massage therapy program and passing either the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or the NCETMB/NCETM credentialing exam. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and be of good moral character. Montana offers reciprocity to those licensed in other states with equivalent or greater requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $26,590
25th percentile $36,080
50th (median) $52,000
75th percentile $80,520
90th (experienced) $87,870

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

checklist Montana requirements

Licensing bodyMontana Board of Massage Therapy
State license Required
Education500-hour training program
ExamMassage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or NCETMB/NCETM ($265)
Application fee$175
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education12.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age 18. Must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Must be of good moral character. Requires a background investigation.

Source: Montana 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_circleMontana 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

How do I become a massage therapist in Montana? expand_more
In Montana, becoming a massage therapist requires you to complete the required education (500-hour training program), pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or NCETMB/NCETM, and submit your application ($175 fee).
Is a massage therapist license required in Montana? expand_more
Yes, Montana requires a state license to practice as a massage therapist. The licensing body is Montana Board of Massage Therapy. You must pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or NCETMB/NCETM.
How much do massage therapists make in Montana? expand_more
The median massage therapist salary in Montana is $52,000 per year. This trails the $57,950 national median by 10%. Wages range from $26,590 (10th percentile) up to $87,870 (90th percentile).
What are the fees to become a massage therapist in Montana? expand_more
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($265) and application fee ($175) plus your education and training.
What's the timeline to become a massage therapist in Montana? expand_more
In Montana, becoming a massage therapist generally takes 6-12 months, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.
What are the continuing education requirements for massage therapists in Montana? expand_more
License renewal in Montana requires completing 12.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.

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