The State of Mississippi Massage Therapist Requirements
Throughout the 48,434 square miles of the Magnolia State, approximately 723 massage therapists work to help the more than 2.9 million people in their state find relief from pain, rehabilitation from injuries, and comfort in the midst of stress and anxiety.
With 166,383 people in Jackson, 67,793 people in West Gulfport, and 71,676 people in Gulfport, massage therapists who work in Mississippi can find an engaged environment to open, continue, or join a massage therapy business.
How Do I Become A Massage Therapist in Mississippi?
If you’re ready to move into your career as a massage therapist in Mississippi, you must register with the Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy. The registration fee is $250. 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 700 hours from an approved massage therapy program and proof that you have passed a national massage licensing examination.
You can find application request forms on their website.
Where Can I Study?
The Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy provides a list of approved schools where future LMTs can complete their 700 required hours.
Below are two approved schools in Mississippi to help you get started on what you may be looking for in a massage therapy education.
- Antonelli College: Students at this school will gain hands-on experience learning therapeutic massage techniques. Some of these techniques include Swedish massage, sports massage, hydrotherapy, and more. Upon graduation, students are qualified for opportunities in clinics, private offices, fitness centers, spas, and more.
- Healing Touch Career College: With small classes offered during the day and at night, affordable costs and short-term programs, this school promises to “provide educational programs of high ethical and professional standards, provide experienced qualified faculty who enhance student achievement, and provide student and career services that contribute to the student success and future employment.”
Other education options include Blue Cliff College and Waldrip Center for Therapeutic Massage.
How Much Will I Earn?
The average annual wage of a massage therapist in Mississippi was $46,303 in 2021. This is on the lower side of state earnings, with the average national salary at $53,222. However, massage therapists who work in Gulfport-Biloxi have the opportunity to earn a slightly higher salary, with the average for this city at $46,798 annually.
License Requirements for Massage Therapists by State
We want to make finding the information you need easy. That's why we've put together this easy guide to the requirements of all 50 states.