Massage Therapist in Texas
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for TX. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Texas.
Jobs (TX)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a massage therapist in Texas
To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Texas, individuals must complete a minimum of 500 hours of massage therapy education from a TDLR-licensed school or an accredited out-of-state program. Applicants must pass either the national Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) along with the Texas Jurisprudence Exam, or the Texas State Massage Therapist Exam. Additionally, all applicants must be at least 18 years old, submit a license application with a fee, and undergo a fingerprint-based background check. Texas also offers a pathway for licensure by endorsement for those licensed in other states, provided they meet the educational and examination requirements.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Texas. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Texas requirements
| Licensing body | Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 500-hour training program |
| Exam | Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) AND Texas Jurisprudence Exam OR Texas State Massage Therapist Exam ($265) |
| Application fee | $100 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 12.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Texas offers endorsement, but requires passing the Texas Jurisprudence Exam for out-of-state licensees.Reciprocal states: Texas offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state applicants. Requirements include official transcripts of 500+ hours of education, license verification from the current state board, proof of passing the MBLEx, and passing the Texas Jurisprudence Exam (if MBLEx was taken). If the original state required fewer than 500 hours, TDLR evaluates credentials individually. |
| Notes | Minimum age 18. Requires fingerprinting for a background check. Must also complete a Texas Health and Human Services approved course on Human Trafficking, which does not count toward the 12 CE hours. |
Source: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Texas? See whether Texas 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_circleTexas 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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