CertOutlook

Massage Therapist in North Carolina

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

Median annual salary
$61,670
trending_up +6.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, North Carolina.

engineering
2,750

Jobs (NC)

monitoring Surging
+15.4%

10-yr job growth

payments
$435

Licensing fees

schedule
6-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a massage therapist in North Carolina

To become a Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist in North Carolina, applicants must complete a minimum of 650 hours of supervised classroom instruction from a board-approved school and pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). Additionally, applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, undergo a criminal background check, and pass a jurisprudence learning exercise. North Carolina does not offer reciprocity with other states but provides a pathway for licensure by endorsement.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $30,580
25th percentile $51,360
50th (median) $61,670
75th percentile $82,360
90th (experienced) $92,400

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

checklist North Carolina requirements

Licensing bodyNorth Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy
State license Required
Education650-hour training program
ExamMassage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265)
Application fee$170
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education24.0 hours per cycle
NotesRequires applicant to be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, submit four moral character forms, complete a State Bureau Criminal History Record Check with fingerprinting, and pass a jurisprudence learning exercise. An additional $20 application request fee is required.

Source: North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork 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_circleNorth Carolina 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 North Carolina? expand_more
To become a massage therapist in North Carolina, you need to complete the required education (650-hour training program), pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), and submit your application ($170 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a massage therapist in North Carolina? expand_more
North Carolina mandates state licensure for massage therapists. North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy oversees the process, which includes passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).
How much does a massage therapist make in North Carolina? expand_more
massage therapists in North Carolina earn a median of $61,670 annually. — 6% higher than the $57,950 national figure. Wages range from $30,580 (10th percentile) up to $92,400 (90th percentile).
How expensive is massage therapist licensing in North Carolina? expand_more
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($265) and application fee ($170) plus your education and training.
What's the timeline to become a massage therapist in North Carolina? expand_more
Expect to spend 6-12 months from start to finish in North Carolina — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
Does North Carolina require continuing education for massage therapists? expand_more
Yes — massage therapists in North Carolina must complete 24.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.

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