Massage Therapist in Nebraska

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

Median annual salary
$55,080
trending_down -5.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Nebraska.

engineering
340

Jobs (NE)

monitoring Surging
+15.4%

10-yr job growth

payments
$375

Licensing fees

schedule
9-18 months

Time to complete

route How to become a massage therapist in Nebraska

To become a Licensed Massage Therapist in Nebraska, applicants must complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised massage therapy education from an approved school. Key steps include passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) and a state jurisprudence examination, as well as undergoing a criminal background check. Nebraska offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees, allowing them to credit work experience and continuing education towards the 1,000-hour education requirement.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $47,920
25th percentile $49,040
50th (median) $55,080
75th percentile $76,780
90th (experienced) $82,460

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

checklist Nebraska requirements

Licensing bodyNebraska Department of Health and Human Services
State license Required
Education1000-hour training program
ExamMassage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265)
Application fee$110
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education16.0 hours per cycle
NotesApplicants must be at least 19 years of age, pass a state jurisprudence examination with a score of at least 75%, and pass a criminal background check. CPR certification is also required. Nebraska has one of the highest education hour requirements in the US.

Source: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

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_circleNebraska 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 you get certified as a massage therapist in Nebraska? expand_more
In Nebraska, becoming a massage therapist requires you to complete the required education (1000-hour training program), pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), and submit your application ($110 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a massage therapist in Nebraska? expand_more
Nebraska mandates state licensure for massage therapists. Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services oversees the process, which includes passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).
How much do massage therapists make in Nebraska? expand_more
massage therapists in Nebraska earn a median of $55,080 annually. — within a few percent of the $57,950 national figure. The range spans from $47,920 at the entry level to $82,460 for top earners.
How expensive is massage therapist licensing in Nebraska? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($265) and application fee ($110) and required training.
How many months or years does massage therapist certification take in Nebraska? expand_more
Most candidates in Nebraska complete the process in 9-18 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.
What's required to renew a massage therapist license in Nebraska? expand_more
License renewal in Nebraska requires completing 16.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.

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