How to Become a Massage Therapist: A Complete Guide

Massage therapy is the practice of manipulating soft tissue. This practice can help with relaxation, stress reduction, circulation, and general well-being. In Nebraska, reflexology is also a type of massage therapy.

A career in massage therapy is an excellent choice for people who want to make a difference in another person’s life by helping reduce their pain and stress. But before entering this field, you need to know how to become a massage therapist.

Keep reading to get all your burning questions answered.

How do I Become a Massage Therapist in Nebraska?

To become a massage therapist in Nebraska, you must earn a state license. You can get a temporary license if you have yet to take the massage therapist examination but meet the following requirements:

• You are at least 19 years of age
• You hold a high school diploma or GED
• You have completed 1,000 hours of massage therapy training
• Your massage therapy program lasted at least nine months

A fully licensed massage therapist must supervise you if you have a temporary license. Once you pass your licensure and jurisprudence exams, you can practice independently.

In Nebraska, licensed massage therapists can only provide their services at a DHHS-licensed facility. These facilities include massage therapy clinics, medical and non-medical spas, hospitals, nursing homes, salons, and funeral homes.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Licensed Massage Therapist in Nebraska?

It costs $6,000-$8,000, or more, to become a licensed massage therapist in Nebraska. This estimate covers massage therapy school, license applications, and examination fees. Here’s how the total cost breaks down.

Aspiring massage therapists must first complete a training program. Tuition for these programs can cost $7,000 or more. Then, you must add on the cost of supplies, housing, and food.

The license application costs $25 for a temporary license and $110 for full licensure. You must also pay a $110 fee every other year to renew your license. Applicants may qualify for a fee waiver if:

• You are 18-25 years old
• You or a family member is in the military
• You are enrolled in a state or federal public assistance program

Before you can earn your full license, you must take and pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). It costs $265 to take the exam. Should you need to retake the exam, you will have to pay an additional $265.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Massage Therapist in Nebraska?

It can take as little as nine months to become a massage therapist in Nebraska. Completing a massage therapy training program is the biggest part of this time commitment.

Of course, these programs can last longer than nine months. Some programs last up to two years. But the state only requires you to enroll in a program that is at least nine months in duration.

Your program should prepare you for the MBLEx. That way, you won’t have to spend significant time studying after completing your training. You have six months to take the exam once you submit your application.

Note that the MBLEx is not the only test you must pass to get your license. You must also pass the Nebraska Jurisprudence Massage Therapy Examination. It is free to take this 50-question, open-book test.

How Much Does a Masseuse Make in Nebraska?

The average base salary for a massage therapist in Nebraska is $32.17 per hour. That equates to about $47,343 per year. Note that this is only an average, meaning some professionals make more and others make less.

Experience and location are two of the main factors determining massage therapist pay. For example, professionals with over 10 years of experience can make an average of $64,808 per year.

Fremont is the highest-paying city in Nebraska for massage therapy. Massage therapists earn an average of $66,331 per year. The greater Omaha area comes in second, with Bellevue massage therapists earning $59,397 annually.

What State Do Massage Therapists Make the Most Money?

Alaska is the top-paying state for massage therapists in the United States. Professionals can earn six figures for their services. However, Alaska has a relatively low demand for massage therapists.

Oregon, Washington, and North Dakota round out the top four. Top-earning massage therapists in these states earn more than $60,000 per year. Of these states, Oregon and Washington have the highest demand for these workers.

Meanwhile, Nebraska is in the top 50% of wages for US massage therapists. It beats out larger states like Texas and Florida and sits close behind popular areas like New York and Washington DC.

What Is the Minimum Age for Massage in Nebraska?

The minimum age to apply for a massage therapy license in Nebraska is 19. However, you can apply to massage therapy schools as long as you are at least 17 years old.

Is It Hard to Get Clients as a Massage Therapist?

Yes, it can be hard to get clients as a massage therapist in Nebraska. This is especially true for new massage therapists. You need to prove your skills before clients will trust you and refer their friends to you.

How do you do that? Working for a reputable Nebraska massage provider can help you prove your skills. Faces Spa is always looking for new massage therapists to join us at our Omaha location.

Searching for Massage Therapy Jobs in Omaha?

In this guide on how to become a massage therapist in Nebraska, we explained the steps to earning your license. We also answered the web’s most searched questions about starting a fulfilling career in massage therapy.

Are you a licensed Nebraska massage therapist looking for clients? Faces Spa is home to Omaha’s best clients and most experienced massage therapists. Email us your resume to start your career today.