How to Become a Massage Therapist in Texas

The State of Texas Massage Therapist Requirements

Throughout the 268,581 square miles of the Lone Star State, approximately 26,300 massage therapists work to help the more than 27.6 million people in their state find relief from pain, rehabilitation from injuries, and comfort in the midst of stress and anxiety.

With 2,099,451 people in Houston, 1,327,407 people in San Antonio, and 1,197,816 people in Dallas, massage therapists who work in Texas can find an engaged environment to open, continue, or join a massage therapy business.

How Do I Become A Massage Therapist in Texas?

If you’re ready to move into your career as a massage therapist in Texas, you must register with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The registration fee is $117. 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 accredited massage therapy program and pass a national massage licensing examination.

You can find application request forms on their website.

Where Can I Study?

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

• Academy for Massage Therapy Training: Students at this school will learn massage therapy education with a specialization in deep tissue massage. The Academy believes that they and their students are dedicated to offering the best massage therapy anywhere, and “it all starts with how well we do in the classroom.”
• South Texas Vocational Technical Institute: One of the leading massage schools in Texas, students at this school learn from experienced industry professionals with a focus on hands-on training. Students will gain real experience practicing Swedish massage, hydrotherapy, and clinical techniques.

Other education options include Oceans School and Texas Center for Massage Therapy.

How Much Will I Earn?

The average annual wage of a massage therapist in Texas was $37,230 in 2014. This is on the lower side of state earnings, with the average national salary at $41,790. However, massage therapists who work in Corpus Christi have the opportunity to earn a higher salary, with the average for this city at $44,550 annually.