Massage Therapist

Written By Keandra Wilson

 1. OVERVIEW

Massage therapists manipulate the soft tissues and joints of the body to treat injuries, relieve stress, and promote overall wellness. They work in various settings, including spas, healthcare offices, and even private practices. The profession offers great flexibility, as many massage therapists are self-employed or work part-time.

  • 2024 Median Pay: $57,950 per year ($27.86 per hour)

  • Job Growth (2023–2033): 18% (Much faster than average)

  • Typical Education: Postsecondary nondegree award

  • Work Experience in a Related Occupation: None required

  • On-the-job Training: None required

  • Number of Jobs, 2023: 147,100

2. Role Breakdown by Level

Entry-Level Role

  • Job Titles: Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)

  • Education: Postsecondary education, typically a certificate or diploma from a massage therapy program

  • Experience: No prior experience required; however, internships or hands-on training during education are common

  • Certifications: State-issued licensure, passing the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx)

  • Core Duties:

    • Conduct client assessments to identify pain or stress points

    • Perform various massage techniques (Swedish, deep tissue, etc.)

    • Maintain a clean, relaxing workspace

    • Document client progress and adjust treatments accordingly

  • Salary Range: $35,000–$50,000

Mid-Level Role

  • Job Titles: Senior Massage Therapist, Massage Therapist Specialist

  • Education: Same as entry-level, with additional specialized certifications if desired (e.g., sports massage, prenatal massage)

  • Experience: 2-5 years of practice, with advanced training in specific techniques

  • Certifications: Continued education, optional certifications in specialized modalities

  • Core Duties:

    • Provide specialized treatments such as sports massage or therapeutic massage

    • Build long-term client relationships and repeat business

    • Mentor entry-level therapists or supervise junior staff

    • Handle scheduling and client management tasks

  • Salary Range: $50,000–$65,000

Senior-Level Role

  • Job Titles: Lead Massage Therapist, Spa Director, Massage Therapy Instructor

  • Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., health and wellness), certifications in specialized areas of massage therapy

  • Experience: 5+ years, with expertise in various modalities and proven client relationship management

  • Certifications: Nationally recognized certifications, such as Certified Neuromuscular Therapist (CNT) or Certified Sports Massage Therapist

  • Core Duties:

    • Oversee a team of massage therapists in a clinic, spa, or healthcare setting

    • Lead wellness programs or manage spa and wellness business operations

    • Develop treatment plans for clients with chronic pain or complex medical conditions

    • Educate and train new therapists, provide workshops and continuing education

  • Salary Range: $65,000–$80,000+

3. How to Become One

Education:
Massage therapists generally need a postsecondary education that includes a combination of theory and hands-on practice. Programs are typically offered at vocational schools, community colleges, or through specialized massage therapy institutes. Coursework often includes anatomy, physiology, and techniques such as Swedish and deep tissue massage.

Licensing:
Most states require massage therapists to be licensed or certified, typically through the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), and passing a background check. Some states may also require additional certifications or exams for specific types of therapy (e.g., sports massage, prenatal massage).

Training:
Training for massage therapists is generally done in a school setting and includes both theoretical classroom education and practical, hands-on training. Internships may also be part of the program.

Certifications:
Optional but beneficial certifications include:

  • MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination)

  • Certified Sports Massage Therapist (for working with athletes)

  • Neuromuscular Therapy Certification

4. Skills & Tools

Core Skills:

  • Communication skills: Essential for understanding clients' needs and creating personalized treatment plans.

  • Physical stamina and strength: Required for providing effective massages, especially during long or intense sessions.

  • Attention to detail: Understanding client concerns and focusing on problem areas during the massage.

  • Empathy and interpersonal skills: Building trust with clients and ensuring a comfortable, therapeutic experience.

  • Time management: Balancing appointment schedules and client needs efficiently.

Tools & Equipment:

  • Massage tables and chairs

  • Oils, lotions, and balms for treatments

  • Hot stones, towels, and other therapeutic tools

  • Optional: specialized equipment for techniques such as cupping, aromatherapy, or reflexology

5. Work Environment

Massage therapists work in a variety of settings:

  • Spas and wellness centers: Providing relaxation and therapeutic services to clients.

  • Medical and health offices: Collaborating with chiropractors, physical therapists, or other healthcare providers to treat injuries or chronic pain.

  • Self-employed: Many therapists run their own practices, either in a home office, rented space, or through mobile services.

  • Hotels and resorts: Offering massage services to guests for relaxation or therapeutic purposes.

Work schedules for massage therapists vary greatly and can include evenings and weekends, particularly for those who are self-employed or work in spas and wellness centers. Some therapists also work part-time or on-demand.

6. Job Outlook

  • Employment Growth (2023–2033): 18% (Much faster than average)

  • Annual Openings: 22,800 due to growth in demand for therapeutic and wellness services.

  • Factors Driving Demand:

    • Increasing awareness of the health benefits of massage

    • Growing acceptance of massage therapy for pain management and rehabilitation

    • Expanding wellness industry and spa services

7. Similar Occupations

  • Physical Therapy Assistants: Help patients recover from injuries under the supervision of physical therapists.

  • Athletic Trainers: Focus on preventing and treating muscle and bone injuries, often working with athletes.

  • Exercise Physiologists: Develop fitness programs for clients to improve their health and manage chronic conditions.

8. Resources for Learning & Advancement

  • Courses & Certifications:

    • National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB): Offers certification for massage therapists.

    • Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB): Provides information on licensing exams and requirements.

    • American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA): Offers continuing education resources and professional development.

    • Online Platforms: LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and other online platforms offer relevant courses on massage therapy techniques and business management.

  • Books:

    • "The Bodyworker's Guide to Working with Trauma" by David Lauterstein

    • "Massage Therapy: Principles and Practice" by Susan G. Salvo

    • "The Massage Therapist’s Guide to Managing a Successful Practice" by Jeff Smith

  • Videos & Communities:

    • YouTube Channels: Massage Therapy Videos, The Massage Nerd

    • Podcasts: The Massage Therapy Podcast, The Healing Touch

9. Regional Data & Employment Trends

  • Top-Paying Industries:

    • Offices of Chiropractors: $66,710

    • Personal Care Services: $55,630

    • Accommodation: $45,280

  • Hot Markets: California, Florida, New York, Texas, Illinois

  • Trends: Increasing demand for wellness and rehabilitation massage, with more people seeking alternative treatments for pain management and stress relief.

 

Keandra Wilson
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