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The State of South Carolina Massage Therapist Requirements

Throughout the 32,020 square miles of the Palmetto State, approximately 3,544 massage therapists work to help the more than 5.1 million people in their state find relief from pain, rehabilitation from injuries, and comfort in the midst of stress and anxiety.

With 133,273 people in Columbia, 135,257 people in Charleston, and 111,501 people in North Charleston, massage therapists who work in South Carolina can find an engaged environment to open, continue, or join a massage therapy business.

How Do I Become A Massage Therapist in South Carolina?

If you’re ready to move into your career as a massage therapist in South Carolina, you must register with the South Carolina Board of Massage/Bodywork Therapy. The registration fee is $150. 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 and pass the National Certification Exam or the Federation of States Examination for Massage Therapy.

You can find application request forms on their website.

Where Can I Study?

Below are two approved schools in South Carolina to help you get started on what you may be looking for in a massage therapy education.

  • Technical College of the Lowcountry: Accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA), students at TCL will receive a massage therapy education with lessons in chair massage, sports massage, reflexology, pregnancy massage, and more.
  • Trident Technical College: Students at Trident Technical College will receive practical training during a seven-week clinic where they will provide massages to the public and work one day a week with a patient who has a medically diagnosed condition. Students will also learn about business practices, trigger point therapy and CPR.

How Much Will I Earn?

The average annual wage of a massage therapist in South Carolina was $49,816 in 2021. This is on the lower side of state earnings, with the average national salary at $53,222. Massage therapists who work in Spartanburg have the opportunity to earn a high salary as well, with the average for this city at $49,742 annually.