The State of Oregon Massage Therapist Requirements
Throughout the 98,381 square miles of the Beaver State, approximately 7,138 massage therapists work to help the more than 4.2 million people in their state find relief from pain, rehabilitation from injuries, and comfort in the midst of stress and anxiety.
With 645,291 people in Portland, 168,302 people in Eugene, and 169,259 people in Salem, massage therapists who work in Oregon can find an engaged environment to open, continue, or join a massage therapy business.
How Do I Become A Massage Therapist in Oregon?
If you’re ready to move into your career as a massage therapist in Oregon, you must register with the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists. The license fee is $240, and the renewal fee is $155 every two years. 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 625 hours from an approved massage therapy program and pass the Oregon Practical Exam and other Board written exams.
You can find application request forms on their website.
Where Can I Study?
The Oregon Board of Massage Therapists approves the following schools where future LMTs can complete their 625 required hours.
Below are two approved schools in Oregon to help you get started on what you may be looking for in a massage therapy education.
- Ashland Institute of Massage: AIM offers a holistic approach to the education of body, mind, and heart. Students at AIM will learn that “who you are is as important as what you learn.” They hope that the educational experience at AIM goes beyond the curriculum.
- Sage School of Massage: Sage boasts to be a “small school” with a “high standards.” Blending both the art and science of holistic massage therapy, this school focuses on health and wellness by balancing reasoning skills and intuition. Students are prepared for massage therapy careers in clinical, spa, and travel settings.
Other education options include Oregon School of Massage and Everest Institute.
How Much Will I Earn?
The average annual wage of a massage therapist in Oregon was $53,009 in 2021. This is on the higher side of state earnings, with the average national salary at $53,222. Massage therapists who work in Corvallis have the opportunity to earn a high salary as well, with the average for this city at $51,653 annually.