Massage Therapist in Washington

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

Median annual salary

$82,820

trending_up +42.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Washington.

engineering

3,590

Jobs (WA)

monitoring Surging

+15.4%

10-yr job growth

payments

$491

Licensing fees

schedule

6-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a massage therapist in Washington

To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Washington, applicants must be at least 18 years old and complete a minimum of 625 hours of massage therapy training from a Washington State Board of Massage approved program (for programs started on or after September 1, 2021). Key steps include passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), a jurisprudence exam, undergoing a fingerprint-based background check, and having current CPR and first aid certifications, along with 4 hours of HIV/AIDS training. Washington offers licensure by endorsement for those licensed in states with substantially equivalent requirements, provided they pass the Washington jurisprudence exam.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $59,160

25th percentile $72,210

50th (median) $82,820

75th percentile $97,720

90th (experienced) $115,920

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

checklist Washington requirements

Licensing body	Washington State Department of Health
State license	Required
Education	625-hour training program (for programs started on or after September 1, 2021)
Exam	Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265)
Application fee	$226
Renewal	Every 1.0 year
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age 18. Requires a jurisprudence exam, a background check (including fingerprinting), current CPR and first aid certification, and 4 hours of HIV/AIDS training. CE hours are due every two years, even though the license is renewed annually. A minimum of 8 hours of CE must be in direct, hands-on massage therapy techniques, and 4 hours in professional ethics, communication, or Washington state massage laws and regulations (2 of these 4 hours must include professional roles and boundaries). Two hours of health equity (implicit bias) training are required every four years. CPR courses must be in-person.

Source: Washington State Department of Health

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_circleWashington 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 are the steps to becoming a massage therapist in Washington? expand_more

In Washington, becoming a massage therapist requires you to complete the required education (625-hour training program (for programs started on or after September 1, 2021)), pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), and submit your application ($226 fee).

Does Washington require massage therapist licensure? expand_more

Washington mandates state licensure for massage therapists. Washington State Department of Health oversees the process, which includes passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).

How much do massage therapists make in Washington? expand_more

The median massage therapist salary in Washington is $82,820 per year. This exceeds the $57,950 national median by 43%. Wages range from $59,160 (10th percentile) up to $115,920 (90th percentile).

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

Costs include exam fee ($265) and application fee ($226). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How many months or years does massage therapist certification take in Washington? expand_more

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

What's required to renew a massage therapist license in Washington? expand_more

To keep your license active, Washington mandates 24.0 CE hours every 1.0 year.