The State of North Carolina Massage Therapist Requirements
Throughout the 53,189 square miles of the Tar Heel State, approximately 8,782 massage therapists work to help the more than 10.5 million people in their state find relief from pain, rehabilitation from injuries, and comfort in the midst of tress and anxiety.
With 857,425 people in Charlotte, 464,485 people in Raleigh, and 291,303 people in Greensboro, massage therapists who work in North Carolina can find an engaged environment to open, continue, or join a massage therapy business.
How Do I Become A Massage Therapist in North Carolina?
If you’re ready to move into your career as a massage therapist in North Carolina, you must register with the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy. The registration fee is $20. 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 from an approved massage therapy program.
You can find application request forms on their website.
Where Can I Study?
The North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy provides a list of approved schools where future LMTs can complete their 500 required hours.
Below are two approved schools in North Carolina to help you get started on what you may be looking for in a massage therapy education.
- Body Therapy Institute: BTI hopes students will discover “a place where you can realize your goals and dreams through an integrative approach to massage therapy based in mindfulness, compassion and embodiment Campus is located on a spacious, tranquil setting.
- American and European Massage Clinic, Inc.: With a low student-to-teacher ratio, students at this school will receive personalized attention and detailed instruction. Approved by the National Certification Board and the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy, this school provides 500 hours in Russian Medical Massage.
Other education options include Asheville School of Massage and Yoga and Therapeutic Massage Training Institute.
How Much Will I Earn?
The average annual wage of a massage therapist in North Carolina was $50,774 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 Winston-Salem have the opportunity to earn a higher salary, with the average for this city at $50,987 annually.