Massage Therapist in Ohio
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for OH. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Ohio.
Jobs (OH)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a massage therapist in Ohio
To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Ohio, individuals must complete a minimum of 750 hours of education from a State Medical Board of Ohio approved program, which typically takes at least 9 months. Applicants must pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) and submit an application with a $150 fee to the State Medical Board of Ohio. Additionally, candidates must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, provide proof of CPR certification, and undergo BCI and FBI criminal records checks. Ohio offers reciprocity for licensed massage therapists from other states or Canada who meet specific educational and experience requirements.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Ohio. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Ohio requirements
| Licensing body | The State Medical Board of Ohio |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 750 hours of education from a State Medical Board of Ohio approved program (or 600 hours if enrolled before December 31, 2005, and 12 months in duration) |
| Exam | Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265) |
| Application fee | $150 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Reciprocity | Ohio offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees meeting specific education, practice, and national exam requirements.Reciprocal states: Ohio offers reciprocity to applicants who have held a current license in another U.S. state or Canada for at least five consecutive years, completed a massage education program of at least 750 hours (or 600 hours if enrolled before December 31, 2005) from an approved school, and passed the MBLEx. The program must cover specific areas like anatomy, physiology, pathology, massage theory, practical application, ethics, business, and law. Out-of-state schools must be authorized by an agency comparable to the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools Registration or the Ohio Board of Regents. |
| Notes | Minimum age 18. Requires a BCI and FBI criminal records check. Must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Must provide proof of completing a CPR course. |
Source: The State Medical Board of Ohio
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Ohio? See whether Ohio recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Massage Therapist license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleOhio license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+15.4%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
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