The State of Michigan Massage Therapist Requirements
Throughout the 96,716 square miles of the Great Lake State, approximately 8,991 massage therapists work to help the more than 9.9 million people in their state find relief from pain, rehabilitation from injuries, and comfort in the midst of stress and anxiety.
With 674,841 people in Detroit, 198,401 people in Grand Rapids, and 139,387 people in Warren, massage therapists who work in Michigan can find an engaged environment to open, continue, or join a massage therapy business.
How Do I Become A Massage Therapist in Michigan?
If you’re ready to move into your career as a massage therapist in Michigan, you must register with the Michigan Board of Massage Therapy. The registration fee is $95. Once you are registered, you must receive licensure by the Board. If you do not register, you will be working illegally and can receive a fine.
In order to receive this license, you must complete a minimum of 500 hours, if you enrolled in school before August 1, 2017, or at least 625 hours if you enroll in school on or after August 1, 2017. You must complete the hours through an approved massage therapy program and pass a national massage licensing examination.
You can find application request forms on their website.
Where Can I Study?
The Michigan Board of Massage Therapy provides a list of approved schools where future LMTs can complete their 500 or 625 required hours.
Below are two approved schools in Michigan to help you get started on what you may be looking for in a massage therapy education.
- Ann Arbor Institute of Massage Therapy: Dedicated to “advancing the art and science of massage therapy through excellence in education, personal and professional development, and community service in order to promote personal wellness and transform health care,” this school focuses on individualized treatment plans to help personal satisfaction in directly helping others.
- Institute of Natural Therapies: Committed to provide therapeutic massage training programs designed to help students “become innovators and leaders in the therapeutic massage field,” this school has a 90 percent pass rate on the National exam.
Other education options include Baker College and Healing Hands Holistic Health Center School of Massage.
How Much Will I Earn?
The average annual wage of a massage therapist in Michigan was $53,265 in 2021. This is on the slightly higher side of state earnings, with the average national salary at $53,222. Massage therapists who work in Holland-Grand Haven have the opportunity to earn a higher salary, with the average for this city at $59,533 annually.