CertOutlook

Massage Therapist in South Carolina

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

Median annual salary
$62,830
trending_up +8.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, South Carolina.

engineering
1,500

Jobs (SC)

monitoring Surging
+15.4%

10-yr job growth

payments
$415

Licensing fees

schedule
6-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a massage therapist in South Carolina

To become a licensed Massage Therapist in South Carolina, applicants must complete a massage therapy education program of at least 650 hours from an approved school (effective May 26, 2024; 500 hours accepted prior to this date). They must pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) and submit a completed application with a fee to the South Carolina Board of Massage/Bodywork Therapy. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and undergo a criminal background check. South Carolina offers reciprocity for licensees from states with equivalent or higher standards.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $17,870
25th percentile $47,350
50th (median) $62,830
75th percentile $77,930
90th (experienced) $98,550

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

checklist South Carolina requirements

Licensing bodySouth Carolina Board of Massage/Bodywork Therapy
State license Required
Education650-hour training program (effective May 26, 2024; 500 hours accepted prior to this date)
ExamMassage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB) (NCETMB is no longer offered, only applies to those who previously took it) ($265)
Application fee$150
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education12.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age 18. Requires a high school diploma or GED. Requires a background check with fingerprinting (repeated every 2 years upon renewal). Must verify current CPR certification. English language proficiency may be required.

Source: South Carolina Board of Massage/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_circleSouth 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 South Carolina? expand_more
The path to massage therapist licensure in South Carolina: complete the required education (650-hour training program (effective May 26, 2024; 500 hours accepted prior to this date)), pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB) (NCETMB is no longer offered, only applies to those who previously took it), and submit your application ($150 fee).
Is a massage therapist license required in South Carolina? expand_more
A state license is required in South Carolina. South Carolina Board of Massage/Bodywork Therapy handles massage therapist licensing — the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB) (NCETMB is no longer offered, only applies to those who previously took it) is part of the process.
What is the average massage therapist salary in South Carolina? expand_more
The median massage therapist salary in South Carolina is $62,830 per year. That's 8% above the national median of $57,950. The range spans from $17,870 at the entry level to $98,550 for top earners.
What's the total cost to get massage therapist certified in South Carolina? expand_more
Costs include exam fee ($265) and application fee ($150). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
How quickly can I become a massage therapist in South Carolina? expand_more
Most candidates in South Carolina complete the process in 6-12 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.
What's required to renew a massage therapist license in South Carolina? expand_more
Yes — massage therapists in South Carolina must complete 12.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.

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