The Hidden Costs of Massage School (That No One Talks About)
It’s Not Just Tuition—Here’s What Else to Expect
When future students research massage therapy programs, they often focus on the listed tuition price. But just like any career training program, there are hidden costs that can catch you off guard—especially if you don’t ask the right questions up front.
Knowing what to expect now can help you plan better, avoid surprise expenses, and find a program that’s truly worth the investment.
Let’s break down the real costs of massage school—beyond tuition.
📚 1. Books, Supplies, and Study Materials
Depending on the program, you may need to purchase:
A massage table (required in many programs—$250–$600)
Textbooks like Trail Guide to the Body or Massage Therapy: Principles & Practice
Massage oils, linens, bolsters, or a face cradle
Digital subscriptions or online access fees for anatomy apps or quizzes
✅ Pro tip: Look for a school that clearly lists what’s included in tuition and what’s not.
🧼 2. Clinic Fees and Unpaid Labor
Here’s something many students don’t expect:
Some schools require you to complete hundreds of massages in their on-site clinic or spa—and you don’t get paid. In fact, you might even pay them for the privilege.
This means:
You may be working for free while the school collects client fees
You're using your time and energy for the school’s business model, not your own learning
You might need to buy your own sheets, oils, or equipment—even during your “work hours”
⚠️ If a school requires 200–300 massages in clinic but offers no pay, transparency, or skill mentorship, that’s a red flag.
✈️ 3. Travel and Housing for Hands-On Training
If you’re attending a hybrid massage therapy program, you’ll likely need to travel for the hands-on portion. Depending on the location, costs may include:
Flights, rental cars, or shuttles
Accommodations (some programs offer housing, others don’t)
Meals and supplies during immersion training weeks
✅ At Contatto Wellness, we offer hands-on training in the United States and Costa Rica, and provide travel tips and location details far in advance to help students plan well.
📝 4. Licensing, Testing, and Continuing Ed
Graduating from massage school is just the beginning. You’ll also need to budget for:
The MBLEx exam fee (currently $265)
Licensing fees (state-specific, typically $100–$300)
CPR/First Aid certification, if required in your state
Optional but recommended continuing education classes
💼 5. Lost Work Time or Childcare During Intensives
Whether your program is in-person or hybrid, you may need time off from:
Work
Family responsibilities
Other schooling or caregiving roles
During hands-on intensives, especially, you may need to:
Arrange childcare or pet care
Cover lost wages from missed shifts
Stay focused in a physically demanding environment
🎯 How to Avoid the Worst Surprises
Before enrolling, ask your prospective school:
“What’s included in tuition—and what isn’t?”
“Will I be required to provide unpaid massages in a clinic setting?”
“Do I need to purchase a massage table or other gear?”
“What travel or licensing costs should I plan for?”
A quality program will answer all of these questions honestly and clearly.
📣 A Transparent Education Is an Empowered One
At Contatto Wellness, we believe massage school should be an investment—not a guessing game. That’s why we clearly outline all expected costs (including hands-on options in both the U.S. and Costa Rica), offer installment plans, and never require unpaid labor as part of our training model.