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.

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2828 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60657

(517) 381‐ 6472
Programs:
Barbering, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Massage Therapy

1870 Busse Highway
Des Plaines, IL 60016

Programs:
Continuing Education, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Makeup Artistry, Massage Therapy, Nail Technology
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Advanced Educator

208 North Wood Street
Washington, IL 61571

City Colleges of Chicago - Harry S Truman

1145 West Wilson Avenue
Chicago, IL 60640

College of Lake County

19351 West Washington Street
Grayslake, IL 60030

Elgin Community College

1700 Spartan Drive
Elgin, IL 60123

Estelle Medical Academy

4905 Old Orchard Center Suite 710
Skokie, IL 60077

First Institute of Travel – Accredited

790 McHenry Avenue
Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Kishwaukee College

21193 Malta Road
Malta, IL 60150

Lake Land College

5001 Lake Land Boulevard
Mattoon, IL 61938

Marco Polo Schools

4011 West School Street
Chicago, IL 60641

Midwest Technical Institute - East Peoria – Accredited

280 High Point Lane
East Peoria, IL 61611

Midwest Technical Institute - Springfield, IL – Accredited

2731 Farmers Market Road
Springfield, IL 62707

National University of Health Sciences

200 East Roosevelt Road
Lombard, IL 60148

Parkland College

2400 West Bradley Avenue
Champaign, IL 61821

Roza Nail Technology School

10024 Skokie Boulevard 301B
Skokie, IL 60077

Sandra Rossi Education Center – Accredited

264 West Rand Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Soma Institute

55 East Jackson Boulevard Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60604

Universal Spa Training Academy – Accredited

340 Burlington Avenue
Downers Grove, IL 60515

University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts – Accredited

2913 West White Oaks Drive
Springfield, IL 62704

Waubonsee Community College

4S783 IL-47
Sugar Grove, IL 60554

William Rainey Harper College

1200 West Algonquin Road
Palatine, IL 60067
Accredited School

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.

Massage Therapy Schools Near Me

Cost of Massage School Across IL

Metro Average Tuition
Chicago $13,745
Champaign / Springfield / Decatur $10,775

How to Become a Masseuse in Illinois

Illinois Massage Therapy Careers At a Glance
  • 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

600 Education Hours

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

2 Years

License renewal period

24 Hours

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

$47,270

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

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Commercial_Combo_Program-Career-Geo
Massage Therapy
Illinois

How to Become a Massage Therapist in Your State

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