Massage Therapist in Virginia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for VA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Virginia.
Jobs (VA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a massage therapist in Virginia
To become a Licensed Massage Therapist in Virginia, applicants must complete a minimum of 500 hours of training from a massage therapy program approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia or a comparable agency in another state. They must pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) and submit an online application with a fee of $140 to the Virginia Board of Nursing. Additionally, applicants must be at least 18 years old and undergo a criminal history background check with fingerprinting. Virginia offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state licensees and has adopted the Interstate Massage Compact, though a multistate license is not yet active.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Virginia. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Virginia requirements
| Licensing body | Virginia Board of Nursing |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 500-hour training program |
| Exam | Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265) |
| Application fee | $140 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and complete a criminal history background check with fingerprinting. Virginia uses the term 'certification,' but it is a mandatory state-level requirement to practice and use the title 'Certified Massage Therapist.' Provisional licenses are available for eligible candidates awaiting examination results, valid for one 90-day period and non-renewable. A bill was introduced in February 2025 to increase education hours from 500 to 625. |
Source: Virginia Board of Nursing
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_circleVirginia license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+15.4%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk