Massage Therapist in Tennessee

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

Median annual salary

$49,670

trending_down -14.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Tennessee.

engineering

1,270

Jobs (TN)

monitoring Surging

+15.4%

10-yr job growth

payments

$545

Licensing fees

schedule

6-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a massage therapist in Tennessee

To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Tennessee, individuals must obtain a license from the Tennessee Board of Massage Licensure. Key steps include completing a minimum of a 650-hour massage education program, passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), and submitting an application with a fee of $280.00. Applicants must also be at least 18 years old, of good moral character, pass a criminal background check with fingerprinting, and hold a current CPR certification. Reciprocity is available for out-of-state licensees who meet Tennessee's requirements and complete a specific course on Tennessee massage statutes and regulations.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $35,480

25th percentile $39,380

50th (median) $49,670

75th percentile $55,240

90th (experienced) $61,150

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

checklist Tennessee requirements

Licensing body	Tennessee Board of Massage Licensure
State license	Required
Education	650-hour training program
Exam	Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265)
Application fee	$280
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Requires a background check and fingerprinting. Must be at least 18 years of age and of good moral character. Current CPR certification is also required. New licensees may have prorated CE hours. 2 of the 24 CE hours must be in Tennessee statutes and rules, and 2 hours must be in management of massage therapy practice, professional ethics, or substance abuse. A maximum of 8 CE hours can be completed via multimedia/online formats.

Source: Tennessee Board of Massage Licensure

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_circleTennessee 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

How do you get certified as a massage therapist in Tennessee? expand_more

Tennessee requires massage therapists to complete the required education (650-hour training program), pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), and submit your application ($280 fee).

Is a massage therapist license required in Tennessee? expand_more

Tennessee mandates state licensure for massage therapists. Tennessee Board of Massage Licensure oversees the process, which includes passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).

What is the average massage therapist salary in Tennessee? expand_more

The median massage therapist salary in Tennessee is $49,670 per year. That's 14% below the national median of $57,950. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $35,480, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $61,150.

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

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($265) and application fee ($280) and required training.

What's the timeline to become a massage therapist in Tennessee? expand_more

The typical timeline in Tennessee is 6-12 months. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

How many CE hours do massage therapists need in Tennessee? expand_more

Yes — massage therapists in Tennessee must complete 24.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.