How much does massage therapy school cost?
How much does massage therapy school cost?
$5,000 – $10,000 average cost (tuition only)
$5,500 – $14,500 total cost (tuition + supplies + license)
Average cost of massage therapy school
Massage therapy school costs $5,000 to $10,000 on average for tuition, plus $500 to $4,500 for books, supplies, and licensing. The final cost depends on the massage school you choose, your location, the course length, and whether you qualify for any scholarships or financial aid.
| Factor | Average total cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Books | $200 – $800 |
| Equipment | $200 – $3,000 |
| Licensing | $100 – $700 |
| Total average cost | $5,500 – $14,500 |
Massage therapy is the act of promoting relaxation and alleviating pain by manipulating muscles, tissues, ligaments, and tendons in the body. Massage school teaches different techniques as well as anatomy and physiology, ethics, and business practices.
You must complete a relevant training course and obtain a certification to be a licensed massage therapist.
In order to get into a massage school, you need at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Massage therapy school cost factors
On top of tuition, you’ll have to pay extra for books, a massage table, and related equipment. When your course is complete, you’ll need to take an exam and get your massage therapist license, which also adds to the total cost.
The following factors affect the total cost of massage therapy school:
Location: Massage schools in urban areas or big cities like New York and Los Angeles tend to cost more than schools in smaller cities and towns. Public schools subsidized by state or local governments typically charge less than private massage therapy schools.
Length: Most massage therapy programs last 500 to 800 hours, although the requirements vary by state. Most take 1 year or less to complete.
Specialties: Longer, more expensive programs teach students specialized techniques like hydrotherapy, oncology massage, sports massage, or trigger point therapy. Shorter, more affordable programs focus on fundamental principles of massage.
Fees: Some massage schools charge students $50 to $100 in application fees and liability insurance on top of tuition.
Books & equipment: Course books cost $200 to $800. Students must also purchase a massage table, which costs $200 to $3,000, as well as other specialty items.
Massage license: Getting your license after you complete the course costs about $100 to $700, depending on the state.
Most massage schools offer scholarships and financial aid, especially schools with higher tuition. Apply on the FAFSA website to see if you’re eligible for financial aid or loans. If you’re a veteran, you may be eligible for additional assistance through the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship (MyCAA).
Tuition
The average cost of massage therapy school tuition is $5,000 to $10,000, not including books or supplies. Like traditional universities, some massage schools charge small fees for application or enrollment. Ask an advisor about fees and financial aid before enrolling.
Potential salary
Massage therapy school is an investment, but it may pay off. Massage therapists earn $40,000 to $70,000 per year on average, depending on their specialization and experience.
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the massage therapy field will grow by 18% from 2022 to 2032, which is a faster rate of growth than other occupations.
Massage therapy school FAQs
What is massage therapy school?
Massage therapy school is where students learn and practice the skills necessary to become licensed massage therapists. Some schools offer specialized courses for certain types of massage therapy like sports massage, oncology massage, or hydrotherapy.
What are the requirements for massage therapy schools?
Most massage therapy schools require each applicant to have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Some schools have minimum age restrictions as well because massage therapists are often alone with clients.
Can you get a degree from a massage therapy school?
Instead of a degree, massage therapy schools offer a practical, direct pathway to state licensing. This enables students to enter the career field or start a business quickly instead of spending two to four years studying for a degree.
Choosing a massage therapy school
Before enrolling in massage therapy classes near you, follow these steps:
Choose an experienced, accredited school if you’re seeking licensure.
Ask how many years of experience the instructors have.
Read previous reviews on Lessons and Google.
Compare massage therapy programs from 3+ different schools.
Ask friends, family, or locals for recommendations.
Make sure you enroll before the school’s deadline.
Ask what financial aid options they offer.
Questions to ask massage therapy instructors
Ask these questions when deciding which massage therapy school to attend:
How much experience do your instructors have?
What equipment do I need to buy for this course?
Can I see a list of books and supplies I’ll need?
What financial aid or scholarships do you offer?
What are your requirements for enrollment?
When is the enrollment deadline for this course?
Will you help me choose classes that fit my schedule?
How long will the course take? Are there part-time or accelerated options?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.