Massage Therapist in Ohio

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

Median annual salary

$50,430

trending_down -13.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Ohio.

engineering

2,480

Jobs (OH)

monitoring Surging

+15.4%

10-yr job growth

payments

$415

Licensing fees

schedule

At least 9 months (for 750-hour programs)

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

10th percentile (entry) $35,610

25th percentile $45,620

50th (median) $50,430

75th percentile $58,640

90th (experienced) $65,820

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
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

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_circleOhio 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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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 I become a massage therapist in Ohio? expand_more

In Ohio, becoming a massage therapist requires you to complete the 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)), pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), and submit your application ($150 fee).

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

You cannot practice as a massage therapist in Ohio without a state license from The State Medical Board of Ohio. The required exam is the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).

How much does a massage therapist make in Ohio? expand_more

massage therapists in Ohio earn a median of $50,430 annually. — 13% under the $57,950 national average. The range spans from $35,610 at the entry level to $65,820 for top earners.

How much does it cost to become a massage therapist in Ohio? expand_more

Between exam fee ($265) and application fee ($150), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How many months or years does massage therapist certification take in Ohio? expand_more

In Ohio, becoming a massage therapist generally takes At least 9 months (for 750-hour programs), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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