By: Natural Healers Staff
Updated: January 29, 2026
Massage Therapy Degree and Career Guide
- Becoming a Massage Therapist
- Massage Therapy Schooling
- Online Programs
- Massage School Accreditation
- School Tuition
- State Boards of Massage
- Types of Massage
- Massage Therapist Duties
- Massage Therapist Salary
Massage Therapist Salary State Guides
Massage Therapy Salaries in Ohio
Ohio might not seem as prestigious as California or New York, but its affordability, diverse client base, employment opportunities and reasonable licensing rules make it a practical and attractive place to practice massage therapy—especially for those seeking long-term, sustainable careers in healthcare and wellness.
Just a few reasons to consider Ohio include:
- In Ohio, some massage therapy performed under a physician’s referral or supervision can be reimbursed by insurance, especially for work related to injury recovery. This may add potential income sources.
- Ohio allows for a relatively broad scope of practice, including medical massage and therapeutic techniques.
- Ohio’s massage therapy license requires 750 hours of education and passing the MBLEx exam. Compared to some states with more complex or varied requirements, this makes it easier to enter the field without being too lenient which can lead to oversaturation or unqualified therapists.
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There are 2,480 people employed as massage therapists in Ohio says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), making it the 11th highest state for employment of massage therapists in the U.S. The median wage per hour is $24 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 15.4%.
Ohio offers a diverse array of employment opportunities for massage therapists across medical centers, wellness facilities and sports organizations. Here are five prominent employers in the state:
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus.
- As a leading academic medical center, OSU Wexner Medical Center integrates massage therapy into its comprehensive patient care services. Massage therapists here are part of multidisciplinary teams, contributing to patient wellness and recovery. Positions are available in various departments, including ambulatory services and wellness programs.
- Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.
- Renowned for its extensive healthcare services, Cleveland Clinic employs licensed massage therapists across multiple locations. Therapists provide services such as Swedish, deep tissue and therapeutic massages, contributing to patient care in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The clinic’s commitment to integrative medicine offers massage therapists opportunities to work alongside other healthcare professionals in a collaborative environment.
- Cincinnati Sports Club, Cincinnati.
- This premier fitness and wellness facility includes Tonics Spa & Salon, where massage therapists offer a range of services to club members. The club provides a supportive environment for therapists, offering benefits such as health insurance, 401(k) and paid vacation. With a focus on both relaxation and sports recovery, therapists can cater to a diverse clientele.
- Summa Health, Akron and metro area.
- Summa Health is a comprehensive healthcare system serving Northeast Ohio. Massage therapists within this network may work in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient centers and wellness institutes. The organization’s emphasis on holistic care allows therapists to be integral in patient rehabilitation and wellness programs.
- Premier Health, Dayton.
- As one of the largest healthcare providers in Southwest Ohio, Premier Health offers massage therapy services across its hospitals and health centers. Therapists here may engage in patient care that supports recovery from injuries, surgeries and chronic conditions. The organization’s expansive network may provide opportunities for professional growth and specialization.
Ohio allows for a relatively broad scope of practice, including medical massage and therapeutic techniques.
Salary statistics for Ohio
Ohio’s median wage for massage therapists may not reach the national median, but Ohio’s cost of living is also lower than the national average. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2024, some of Ohio’s major metro areas pay right at the nation median or just under it. Columbus paid best reaching the $58,000 mark, and the Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek area was next on the list at over $56,000 annually.
In Ohio, medical and clinical settings—such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers and integrative health clinics—offer the highest employment potential and salary for massage therapists. These environments provide consistent demand due to the growing focus on pain management, post-surgical recovery and chronic condition treatment without relying on opioids. Institutions like Cleveland Clinic, Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and Premier Health sometimes employ massage therapists as part of interdisciplinary care teams, utilizing the skills of those with specialized training in therapeutic or medical massage.
Median massage therapist salary in Ohio
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for massage therapists in Ohio is around $50,430, with variations depending on location, experience and specialization. Entry-level massage therapists may earn less while they begin to build their practices, and experienced practitioners in high-demand locations or workplaces may earn significantly more.
Here are median salaries specific to Ohio at a state-level and by highest paying metro areas:
Massage Therapists
10%$35,610
25%$45,620
50%$50,430Median
75%$58,640
90%$65,820
Median Hourly Wage$24
Job growth15.4%
Total Employment2,480
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus, OH | $58,390 | $39,520 | $76,410 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $56,670 | $39,090 | $65,780 |
| Cleveland, OH | $52,410 | $36,950 | $65,150 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $52,000 | $39,290 | $74,190 |
| Toledo, OH | $49,200 | $33,920 | $63,920 |
| Akron, OH | $47,350 | $34,080 | $62,410 |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH | $44,980 | $29,320 | $76,010 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | $43,320 | $28,970 | $72,220 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Take a look at how salaries compare nationally for fields that are similar to massage therapy:
Salary ranges for MTs in Ohio
The salary range for massage therapists in Ohio spans from $35,610 for the lowest 10% in the field to $65,820 for the highest 10% in the field per year.
What might impact Ohio’s salary ranges?
Salary range for massage therapists in Ohio is affected by factors such as experience level, geographic location, type of employer, specialization such as medical or sports massage, certifications and whether the role is salaried, hourly or commission-based.
An entry-level massage therapist in Ohio typically has 0–2 years of experience, basic licensure and works under supervision or in high-turnover settings like spas, while a senior-level massage therapist usually has 5+ years of experience, advanced certifications, a loyal client base and may work independently or in clinical/medical environments.
Pay by metro area within Ohio
Your earning level usually depends upon where you live within a state. For example, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub or a high-demand area, pay may be more competitive.
While Columbus, Cincinnati and Cleveland-Elyria have the highest employment for massage therapists in Ohio, they do not consistently offer the highest pay.
In Ohio, smaller metro areas or affluent suburbs—such as Akron, Dayton or Dublin —may offer higher average wages due to:
- Less saturation of therapists
- Higher-paying private practices or medical clinics
- More affluent clientele willing to pay premium rates
Even with its pay to cost of living ratio, there are no Ohio cities in the BLS top 10 metro areas for MT pay in the U.S. Here’s how the highest paying metro areas stack up:
Salary growth and job outlook
Job growth for massage therapists in Ohio is expected to be lower than the national average for the field, which is higher than the average job growth rate for all professions combined, said the BLS.
15.4%
Job growth for massage therapists through 2034 according to the BLS
O*Net, which is a subsidiary of the BLS, said that Ohio’s job growth rate for massage therapists will be 8% through 2032, which will add approximately 520 new massage therapist jobs to the existing field.
The BLS said these areas in Ohio have the highest employment:
Columbus: As the state capital and home to major healthcare institutions like The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus offers numerous opportunities for massage therapists in both clinical and wellness settings.
Cincinnati: This tri-state metropolitan area encompasses a diverse range of employers, including hospitals, sports teams and wellness centers, contributing to a robust demand for massage therapy services.
Cleveland-Elyria: With renowned medical facilities such as the Cleveland Clinic, the Cleveland-Elyria area provides ample employment prospects for massage therapists, particularly in medical and rehabilitative environments.
Factors that may impact your salary in Ohio
The top factors that may impact what you earn as a massage therapist in Ohio are:
- Your work setting:
- Medical facilities, hospitals and sports rehab centers typically pay more than spas or franchise chains due to the therapeutic and specialized nature of the work.
- Years of experience and specialty area:
- Therapists with advanced certifications in specialties such as medical, orthopedic or sports massage, and several years of experience may command higher rates and more stable client bases.
- Employer type :
- Being self-employed or renting space may lead to higher earnings potential if you build a solid clientele, while hourly or commission-based employees may have more income limits depending on employer policies.
Education path for massage therapists in OH
To become a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in Ohio, you must complete the following steps:
Meet basic eligibility requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Pass criminal background checks through the FBI and Ohio BCI.
Complete a state-approved massage therapy education program:
- Complete at least 750 hours of instruction from an approved school, including:
- 325 hours of anatomy, physiology and pathology.
- 325 hours of massage theory and practical application.
- 25 hours of ethics (with at least 10 hours exclusively dedicated to ethics).
- 25 hours of business and law relevant to massage therapy.
- 50 hours of other necessary and appropriate classes relevant to massage therapy.
- Perform at least one therapeutic massage on a licensed massage therapist to evaluate competency.
Pass the MBLEx Exam:
- Successfully pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB).
Submit your application to the Ohio State Medical Board:
- Apply for licensure through the State Medical Board of Ohio, providing proof of education, exam results, background checks and any required fees.
Receive your license:
- Upon approval of your application, receive your massage therapy license, officially becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) in Ohio.
Cost of living in Ohio
Ohio’s cost of living is well below the national average, especially compared to coastal states.
This means that while wages might not be the highest in the country, your earnings may stretch further in Ohio—making it more financially sustainable for self-employed therapists or those renting their own practice space.
The World Population Review’s Cost of Living Index ranks Ohio at 94.2, meaning if the average for all states is 100, Ohio is 5.8% below the average for cost of living. This includes housing, utilities, healthcare and necessities such as groceries.
Resources in Ohio for massage therapists
The following resources are invaluable for both aspiring and practicing massage therapists seeking to navigate the professional landscape in Ohio:
State Medical Board of Ohio–Massage Therapy: This is the official licensing authority for massage therapists in Ohio. Their website provides comprehensive information on licensing and prerequisites, license renewals, ethical standards and laws and criminal background check procedures, among other info.
American Massage Therapy Association Ohio Chapter: The AMTA Ohio Chapter offers resources tailored to massage therapists practicing in the state, including regulatory changes, continuing education opportunities, professional development and conferences and networking opportunities in the state.
This massage therapist salary guide for Ohio strives to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape around massage therapists working in the state. This guide may be used as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.