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 Therapist Salaries in Michigan
The foremost benefit of choosing Michigan to become a massage therapist is its relatively low barrier to entry and strong demand for services, especially in areas with tourism, wellness culture and aging populations.
Just a few reasons to consider Michigan include:
- Licensing is regulated by the Michigan Board of Massage Therapy, but requirements are less restrictive than in some states.
- The aging population, especially in rural areas, means steady demand for therapeutic massage for pain relief and mobility.
- Tourism-heavy areas such as Traverse City, Mackinac Island and parts of the Upper Peninsula drive demand for relaxation and resort-based massage services.
In this Article
Quick view
There are 2,060 people employed as massage therapists in Michigan says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), making it the 15th highest state for employment of massage therapists in the U.S. The median wage per hour is $26 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 15.4%.
Here are five of the largest or most notable employers of massage therapists in Michigan, based on hiring activity, reputation and employment opportunities:
- Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, Try, Grosse Point.
- As Michigan’s largest healthcare system, Beaumont Health has integrated massage therapy into multiple departments, including oncology, cardiology, urology and pediatrics. The program began with a single therapist and has expanded to include dozens of massage therapists on staff.
- Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, Multiple locations.
- With multiple locations across Michigan, including Canton and Ann Arbor, Hand & Stone is a prominent employer of massage therapists. They offer competitive pay, flexible schedules and opportunities for advancement.
- Massage Envy, Detroit, Ann Arbor, multiple locations.
- Massage Envy has several locations throughout Michigan and is known for providing consistent employment opportunities for massage therapists. They offer benefits such as free massages, referral programs and flexible schedules.
- LaVida Massage, Livonia, Troy, Brighton.
- LaVida Massage, with locations including Troy, offers massage therapists competitive pay and flexible scheduling. They provide opportunities for both full-time and part-time positions.
- Woodhouse Spa, Detroit, Rochester Hills, Grand Rapids.
- Located in Rochester Hills, Detroit and Grand Rapids, the Woodhouse Day Spa is known for offering massage therapists competitive salaries and a supportive work environment. They provide both part-time and full-time positions.
The foremost benefit of choosing Michigan to become a massage therapist is its relatively low barrier to entry and strong demand for services.
Salary statistics for Michigan
Michigan’s median wage for massage therapists is under the national median, but the state’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 Michigan’s major metro areas pay well above the national median. These cities included top-ranked Lansing-East Lansing, Saginaw and Kalamazoo.
In Michigan, the employer type that hires the most massage therapists is the franchise spa and wellness center, particularly large national chains like Massage Envy, Massage Green Spa and LaVida Massage. These companies have extensive networks of locations across the state, offering consistent job opportunities for MTs.
In Michigan, the highest-paying employers for massage therapists are typically medical facilities, private practices and premium spas. These settings often offer higher compensation compared to franchise spas or general wellness centers.
Self-employed massage therapists or those operating private practices have the potential to earn more, especially if they build a strong client base. Earnings can vary widely, with some therapists reporting hourly rates ranging from $60 to $90 in Michigan, depending on experience and clientele.
Median massage therapist salary in Michigan
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for massage therapists in Michigan is around $54,510, with higher salaries in the Lower Peninsula.
Therapists with advanced training or certifications in specific massage techniques may command higher rates, and seasoned therapists often have established clienteles, allowing for increased earnings.
Here are median salaries specific to Michigan at a state-level and by highest paying metro areas:
Massage Therapists
10%$33,910
25%$46,480
50%$54,510Median
75%$73,100
90%$85,070
Median Hourly Wage$26
Job growth15.4%
Total Employment2,060
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $71,120 | $43,630 | $96,520 |
| Saginaw, MI | $67,020 | $44,580 | $73,100 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | $60,270 | $31,410 | $90,740 |
| Traverse City, MI | $53,960 | $44,770 | $110,010 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $53,830 | $34,700 | $114,400 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $53,370 | $35,360 | $82,310 |
| Flint, MI | $51,770 | $30,950 | $79,250 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | $51,500 | $34,490 | $79,280 |
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 Michigan
The salary range for massage therapists in Michigan spans from $33,910 for the lowest 10% in the field to $85,070 for the highest 10% in the field per year.
What might impact Michigan’s salary ranges?
In Michigan, the salary differences between entry-level and advanced massage therapists are primarily influenced by the following factors:
Advanced MTs often have specialized certifications, such as in neuromuscular therapy, sports massage or medical massage, which justify higher pay.
Entry-level MTs typically hold only the basic licensure (500+ training hours), limiting their earning potential.
Advanced MTs with several years in the field often have a strong client base and are more efficient and skilled, enabling higher hourly rates or salaried positions.
Entry-level MTs are still gaining trust, reputation and practice, so they often start with lower-paying roles.
Pay by metro area within Michigan
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.
In Michigan, the cities employing the highest number of massage therapists are typically those with larger populations and robust healthcare and wellness industries. While specific employment numbers by city are not readily available, the following cities are known to have significant employment opportunities for massage therapists:
- Detroit: As Michigan’s largest city, Detroit has a substantial demand for massage therapists, driven by its extensive healthcare systems, numerous wellness centers, and a growing interest in holistic health practices.
- Grand Rapids: Grand Rapids, the second-largest city in Michigan, boasts a thriving healthcare sector and a vibrant wellness community, contributing to a high employment rate for massage therapists.
- Ann Arbor: Home to the University of Michigan and several major hospitals, Ann Arbor has a strong emphasis on health and wellness, leading to increased opportunities for massage therapists in both clinical and spa settings.
Highest employment does not guarantee highest wages, however, and the BLS reported the highest paying metro areas in Michigan are Lansing-East Lansing, Saginaw and Kalamazoo.
And even with its pay to cost of living ratio, there are no Michigan cities in the BLS top 10 metro areas for pay. Here’s how the highest paying metro areas stack up:
Salary growth and job outlook
Job growth for massage therapists in Michigan is expected to be slower than the national average for the field, but it is still 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 Michigan’s job growth rate for massage therapists will be 13% through 2032, which will add approximately 420 new massage therapist jobs to the existing field.
Working in the Upper Peninsula
- Less competition as there are fewer licensed massage therapists per capita.
- Tight-knit communities may foster strong word-of-mouth business.
- High tourist traffic in places like Marquette, Munising and Houghton, especially during summer and fall foliage seasons.
- Lower cost of living.
Challenges:
- Remoteness may limit client base and access to advanced training or business networks.
- Fewer spas or wellness centers compared to urban areas.
Working in the Lower Peninsula
- Higher population density equals a more consistent client base.
- Major metro areas like Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor and Traverse City offer:
- Spa and wellness industry hubs.
- Opportunities for private practice, medical offices and chiropractic clinics.
- Networking and continuing education opportunities.
Challenges:
- More competition, especially in urban areas.
- Potentially higher cost of living.
What makes Michigan unique for massage therapists?
There are a few notable and somewhat unique aspects about being a massage therapist in Michigan compared to other states:
Relatively recent licensing:
Michigan only began requiring licensure for massage therapists in 2009, which is later than many states. As a result, there are still some practicing MTs who entered the field under older credentialing standards, leading to variability in training backgrounds.
Broad practice autonomy:
Michigan does not require a referral from a physician for clients to receive massage therapy. This allows MTs more freedom in private practice compared to states that regulate massage as strictly medical treatment.
No state mandated CEUs (yet):
As of now, Michigan does not require continuing education units (CEUs) for massage therapy license renewal, though this may change in the future.
Diverse work settings:
MTs in Michigan commonly work in medical settings like chiropractic clinics and hospitals, in addition to spas and wellness centers. There’s also a notable number of MTs involved in rehabilitation and sports medicine, especially around university towns such as Ann Arbor and East Lansing.
Seasonal work opportunities:
Michigan has robust seasonal tourism, particularly in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, so massage therapists may find lucrative short-term or part-time work in resorts, spas and retreats in places like Traverse City, Mackinac Island or Petoskey during peak seasons.
Education path for massage therapists in Michigan
Here are the basic steps to become a licensed massage therapist in Michigan, which are relatively straightforward due to the state’s relaxed requirements:
Meet basic eligibility requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Submit to a background check and fingerprinting.
- Maintain good moral character, as evaluated through the background check and application disclosures.
Complete a state-approved massage therapy program:
- Minimum 500 hours of education from an accredited school.
Pass the MBLEx Exam:
- Successfully pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB).
Submit a license application to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA):
- Include your school transcripts and proof of exam passage.
- Pay the required fee.
Note:
- Even though Michigan currently does not require continuing education to renew a massage therapy license, staying current with skills is still recommended for competitive employment.
Cost of living in Michigan
According to the 2025 Cost of Living Index from World Population Review, Michigan has an overall index of 90.4, indicating it’s approximately 9.6% below the national average, which is set at 100).
While Michigan’s overall cost of living is below the national average, there are regional variations:
Upper Peninsula:
Higher costs for essentials: Due to its remote location, items requiring transportation—such as food, gas and electricity—tend to be more expensive in the Upper Peninsula.
Lower housing costs: Real estate and labor are generally more affordable, balancing out some of the higher essential costs.
Income levels: The median income in the UP is significantly lower than the state average despite the lower housing costs.
Lower Peninsula:
Varied cost of living: The Lower Peninsula exhibits a wider range of living costs. For instance, using the same percentage calculation as the state:
- Ann Arbor: Cost of Living Index of 104
- Benton Harbor: Cost of Living Index of 79
- Detroit: Cost of Living Index of 82
- Grand Rapids: Cost of Living Index of 89
Housing costs: Cities like Ann Arbor have higher housing indices, while others like Benton Harbor are significantly lower.
Resources for Michigan massage therapists
Here are two key resources in Michigan for massage therapists that offer networking, advocacy, education and professional development:
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) Michigan Chapter: This is the regulatory change group for massage therapists in Michigan. They also host virtual and in-person seminars and offer liability insurance and legal support for members. They also offer CE resources and free online courses.
American Massage Therapy Association Michigan Chapter: The AMTA Michigan Chapter maintains a strong presence in Lansing and Grand Rapids for legislative outreach. The group also hosts events that connect MTs across all experience levels and provides regular networking meetups and volunteer opportunities.
This massage therapist salary guide for Michigan strives to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape for massage therapists working in the state. This guide may be used as a starting point to make informed decisions about your educational and career path and for setting realistic expectations for professional future.