Massage Therapist in Oregon
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for OR. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Oregon.
Jobs (OR)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a massage therapist in Oregon
To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Oregon, individuals must complete a minimum of 625 hours of education from a Board-approved school. Applicants must pass a Board-approved national examination (such as the MBLEx or CESI) and the Oregon Jurisprudence Exam. Additionally, candidates must undergo a national criminal background check, be at least 18 years old, and hold a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Oregon offers reciprocity for applicants licensed in other states with equivalent or greater requirements, with the Board determining if further examination is needed.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Oregon. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Oregon requirements
| Licensing body | Oregon Board of Massage Therapists |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 625-hour training program |
| Exam | Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or CESI, and Oregon Jurisprudence Exam ($265) |
| Application fee | $135 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 25.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Oregon offers endorsement/reciprocity for out-of-state licensees with equivalent requirements; exam may be waived.Reciprocal states: Oregon may license by endorsement or reciprocity if the applicant is licensed in another state, territory, or country with equivalent or greater requirements (625 hours). The Board will determine if an examination is necessary based on education, other exams, work experience, and years of practice. A credentialing review with an additional $250 fee is available for out-of-state applicants who have legally practiced for many years and may not meet traditional education requirements. |
| Notes | Requires a background check with electronic fingerprinting ($47.25 processing fee to OBMT, plus a $12.50 fee to Fieldprint). Must be at least 18 years of age. Requires current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Initial license fee varies ($135-$270) based on renewal date. |
Source: Oregon Board of Massage Therapists
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Oregon? See whether Oregon 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_circleOregon license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+15.4%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
Compare Massage Therapist head-to-head
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