How to Become A Massage Therapist in Arkansas
Arkansas employs approximately 430 massage therapists according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $39,990 1. Nationally, massage therapist employment is projected to grow 15.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 24,700 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a massage therapist in Arkansas, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Massage Therapist in Arkansas
How do I become a massage therapist in Arkansas? Arkansas requires credentials such as Massage Therapy Instructor, Massage Therapist, Master Massage Therapist. The licensing authority is the Arkansas Department of Health - Board of Health 3. You also need to complete an approved training program or apprenticeship.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Arkansas? Yes. Arkansas has licensing or registration requirements for massage therapists. The Arkansas Department of Health - Board of Health oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do massage therapists earn in Arkansas? The median annual wage for massage therapists in Arkansas is $39,990 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $24,180 and experienced professionals can earn $74,530 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Licensing authority: Arkansas Department of Health - Board of Health
- Median wage (Arkansas): $39,990 per year 1
- Exam requirement: Both state and third-party exams required
Massage Therapist License Requirements in Arkansas
The Arkansas Department of Health - Board of Health oversees massage therapist licensing in Arkansas 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapy Instructor | “Massage therapy instructor” means a person who: (i) Before July 1, 2010, has completed no less than two hundred fifty (250) hours of practical experience as a master massage therapist, which may be g… |
| Massage Therapist | Massage Therapists massage customers for hygienic or remedial purposes. |
| Master Massage Therapist | “Master massage therapist” means a person who: (i) Before July 1, 2010, is a licensed and registered massage therapist who has completed no fewer than two hundred fifty (250) hours of practical experi… |
Additional Requirements
- Background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited
- Exam: Both state and third-party exams required
- Experience: Work experience required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Massage Therapist Wages by Metro Area in Arkansas
Massage Therapists Wages by Metro Area in Arkansas
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), massage therapists wages in Arkansas vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway | 210 | $43,030 | $46,480 | $27,570 | $73,680 |
| Memphis | 160 | $47,320 | $52,400 | $27,690 | $90,920 |
| Fort Smith | 40 | $37,110 | $43,540 | $26,490 | $70,390 |
| Hot Springs | 40 | $27,040 | $41,070 | $24,620 | $90,970 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers | N/A | $41,920 | $47,790 | $26,650 | $76,300 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Massage therapists in Arkansas
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest massage therapist employment within Arkansas according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway | 210 | $43,030 |
| Fort Smith | 40 | $37,110 |
| Hot Springs | 40 | $27,040 |
Explore massage therapist programs in Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Hot Springs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for massage therapists in Arkansas? Arkansas currently employs approximately 430 massage therapists 1. Nationally, massage therapist employment is projected to grow 15.4% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a massage therapist in Arkansas with an out-of-state license? Contact the Arkansas Department of Health - Board of Health for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Arkansas? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Arkansas.
How much do massage therapists earn in Arkansas compared to the national average? The median annual wage for massage therapists in Arkansas is $39,990, which is $17,960 below the national median of $57,950 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Arkansas Department of Health - Board of Health - Licensing Information: http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/contact-us ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |