To become a licensed massage therapist in Washington State, you must complete 625 hours of education at a Washington State-approved massage school. The curriculum is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed for a successful career. The required 625 hours include: 90 hours – Anatomy & Physiology 60 hours – Kinesiology 260 hours – Massage Theory & Practice 70 hours – Pathology 55 hours – Business & Clinical Practice 40 hours – Professional Ethics 50 hours – Supervised Student Clinic After completing your education, you'll also need to pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) and meet all licensing requirements established by the Washington State Department of Health before you can practice as a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT).

The cost of massage school in Washington State varies depending on the school, program length, and what is included in tuition. On average, students can expect to invest between $10,000 and $18,000 for a state-approved massage therapy program. Some schools charge additional fees for textbooks, massage tables, supplies, uniforms, liability insurance, licensing exam fees, and other required materials, while others include these costs in their tuition. When comparing massage schools, it's important to look beyond the tuition price and consider what is included, the quality of education, class size, hands-on training, student clinic experience, graduate success rates, and available payment plan options. Choosing the right massage school is an investment in your future career as a Licensed Massage Therapist.

Massage therapist income in Washington State depends heavily on whether the therapist works as an employee, independent contractor, or business owner. According to Washington Career Bridge, massage therapists in Washington average about $43 per hour or $72,600 per year, with many workers earning between $31 and $49 per hour. Part-time massage therapists average about $46 per hour and $41,300 per year. According to another source massage therapists generally make a range between $53,200 (25th percentile) and $104,200 (high end), depending heavily on location, experience, and the practice setting. Massage therapists who work for someone else may have more predictable scheduling, less responsibility for marketing, and fewer business expenses, but they usually keep only a portion of what the client pays. Therapists who own their own massage business may charge higher session rates and have greater income potential, but they are also responsible for rent, supplies, laundry, software, taxes, insurance, marketing, bookkeeping, cancellations, and unpaid administrative time. Because many massage therapists are self-employed, income can vary widely. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 42% of massage therapists are self-employed, and also notes that part-time work is common in the profession. For this reason, a massage therapist’s actual income depends not only on hourly rate, but also on how many clients they see per week, how full their schedule stays, and how well they manage their business.