Massage Therapy Schools in Illinois
Browse our directory of massage therapy schools in Illinois, or skip ahead to learn about the state's massage therapy licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Massage Therapy Schools in Illinois
For School Owners
Don't see your school listed? Want to discuss becoming a featured school in the directory? Contact us to learn more.
2828 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60657
Midwest Technical Institute - Springfield, IL – Accredited
Springfield, IL 62707
You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.
Related Beauty Careers
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:
Massage Therapy Schools Near Me
Check out the Massage Therapy schools these cities in Illinois have to offer.
How to Become a Masseuse in Illinois
- 600 education hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 2 years.
- 24 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for massage therapists in Illinois is $47,270 ($22.73/hour). This is higher than the national average of $42,820 ($20.59/hour).
- There is a predicted 20% job increase between 2016–2026 for massage therapists. This is lower than the expected national growth of 22%.
There are many different massage schools in Illinois that are great options for anyone looking to continue their education pursuing their massage therapist licenses. The Prairie State offers many schools that are equipped to meet the needs of different types of learners.
The art and science of massage is typically taught through in-class lecture, textbook learning and hands-on application in a student clinic setting. Students can enjoy studying at an Illinois massage school in an urban setting such as Chicago or Peoria, or take their studies to a calmer region in one of the many smaller cities and towns in Illinois.
State License Requirements
Required to earn a massage therapy license
To become a licensed massage therapist in Illinois requires completion of a 600-hour massage therapy school. Candidates then must pass either the NCBTMB or MBLEx national exams offered through national certification boards. Licenses are good for 2 years in Illinois, and massage therapists must complete 24 hours continuing education during that time to keep their license. Massage therapy schools will teach students the basics of bodywork including physiology and anatomy, common massage techniques, ethics and business practices. Students will practice their massage skills during supervised time in student massage therapy clinics. Some Illinois massage therapy schools offer students opportunities to participate in community outreach events like wellness fairs, schools, colleges, senior citizen's homes, women's groups, cancer survivor groups and media sponsored events. Students may choose to take additional coursework to be certified in specialty massage such as sports massage techniques. Massage therapist licensing in Illinois is governed through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Education Details
For those interested in continuing their education to become a licensed massage therapist, Illinois massage therapy schools offer a wide variety of options. Students can study in an urban area such as Chicago or in smaller cities and towns throughout the state. Massage therapy requires both academic and technical knowledge, clinical skills, sensitivity and the ability to work well with the hands. Massage therapy students need to have a strong desire to help others as well as the determination and commitment to develop the skills to become a licensed massage therapist. The use of techniques such as massage therapy allows the body to use its own resources to heal from injury and stress.
License Renewal
License renewal period
Continuing education required
To become a licensed massage therapist in Illinois, you will first need to complete a training program that includes a minimum of 600 training hours at a school approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Once you become licensed, it will be essential to keep your licensed renewed on time to avoid a disruption in your legal status. The renewal process in Illinois for massage therapists takes place every two years. The current fee for renewal is $175. You will also be required to complete 24 hours of continuing education courses between renewals.
Illinois Massage Therapy Careers
Average yearly salary for massage therapy in Illinois
Illinois boasts the fifth highest level of employment for massage therapists in the United States. The Chicago-Joliet-Napierville metropolitan area is 3rd in the nation for urban area massage therapist employment. Licensed massage therapists in Illinois earn a mean annual wage of $47,270.
Massage therapists in Illinois may choose to work in private practice or in healthcare facilities such as nursing homes. In these settings, clients often prefer physical rehabilitation treatments that go beyond the traditional regimens. Massage therapists also work in leisure related settings such as cruise ships, resorts and luxury hotels, as well as in spas and businesses devoted solely to massage. Some licensed massage therapists provide on-call services in client homes or to corporations.
Contact the Illinois State Board of Massage Therapy
- 100 West Randolph, 9th Floor Chicago, IL 60601
- Website: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Call: 888-473-4858