Massage Therapist in District of Columbia

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

Median annual salary

$62,220

trending_up +7.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, District of Columbia.

monitoring Surging

+15.4%

10-yr job growth

payments

$527

Licensing fees

schedule

6-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a massage therapist in District of Columbia

To become a licensed Massage Therapist in the District of Columbia, applicants must obtain a license from the District of Columbia Board of Massage Therapy. Key steps include completing a minimum 500-hour training program from an approved school, passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), and submitting a comprehensive application with a fee of $262. Additionally, applicants must be at least 18 years old, undergo a criminal background check, and provide proof of current CPR and first aid certification. The District of Columbia also offers licensure by endorsement for those licensed in other states with comparable requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $54,100

25th percentile $54,100

50th (median) $62,220

75th percentile $85,110

90th (experienced) $110,290

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

checklist District of Columbia requirements

Licensing body	District of Columbia Board of Massage Therapy
State license	Required
Education	500-hour training program
Exam	Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265)
Application fee	$262
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	14.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Requires a criminal background check and applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Proof of current CPR and first aid certification (live classroom setting) is also required. Licenses expire on January 31 of odd years, but for licenses issued after June 16, 2024, they will expire on the last day of the licensee's birth month. Continuing education must include 3 hours of professional ethics, 9 hours of massage-related coursework (6 of which must be hands-on in a live classroom setting), and 2 hours of LGBTQ continuing education. Up to 8 CE hours may be earned online.

Source: District of Columbia Board of Massage 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_circleDistrict of Columbia license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+15.4%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a massage therapist career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a massage therapist in District of Columbia? expand_more

To become a massage therapist in District of Columbia, you need to complete the required education (500-hour training program), pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), and submit your application ($262 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a massage therapist in District of Columbia? expand_more

Yes, District of Columbia requires a state license to practice as a massage therapist. The licensing body is District of Columbia Board of Massage Therapy. You must pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).

What do massage therapists earn in District of Columbia? expand_more

In District of Columbia, the median pay for massage therapists comes to $62,220/year. — 7% higher than the $57,950 national figure. The range spans from $54,100 at the entry level to $110,290 for top earners.

How much does it cost to become a massage therapist in District of Columbia? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($265) and application fee ($262) and required training.

What's the timeline to become a massage therapist in District of Columbia? expand_more

In District of Columbia, becoming a massage therapist generally takes 6-12 months, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

What's required to renew a massage therapist license in District of Columbia? expand_more

District of Columbia requires 14.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your massage therapist license.