Massage therapists
SOC Code: 31-9011Also known as:
Bodywork Therapist, Certified Massage Therapist (CMT), Clinical Massage Therapist, Deep Tissue Massage Therapist, Integrated Deep Tissue Massage Therapist
Median Annual Salary
$57,950
+15.4% growth (2024-2034)
25K
Openings/Year
168K
Current Jobs
What Massage therapists Do
Perform therapeutic massages of soft tissues and joints. May assist in the assessment of range of motion and muscle strength, or propose client therapy plans.
💰 Salary
$57,950
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+15.4%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
25K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
168,000
Projected Employment (2034)
193,900
Related Careers
Recreational therapists
$60,280 •
+3.3% growth
Occupational therapy assistants
$68,340 •
+19.2% growth
Physical therapist assistants
$65,510 •
+22.0% growth
Physical therapist aides
$34,520 •
+2.8% growth
Skincare specialists
$41,560 •
+6.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Social Perceptiveness
Service Orientation
Judgment and Decision Making
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Confer with clients about their medical histories and problems with stress or pain to determine how massage will be most helpful.
- Massage and knead muscles and soft tissues of the body to provide treatment for medical conditions, injuries, or wellness maintenance.
- Maintain massage areas by restocking supplies or sanitizing equipment.
- Apply finger and hand pressure to specific points of the body.
- Develop and propose client treatment plans that specify which types of massage are to be used.
- Maintain treatment records.
- Assess clients' soft tissue condition, joint quality and function, muscle strength, and range of motion.
- Provide clients with guidance and information about techniques for postural improvement and stretching, strengthening, relaxation, and rehabilitative exercises.
- Treat clients in professional settings or travel to clients' offices and homes.
- Refer clients to other types of therapists when necessary.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Massage therapists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a massage therapists:
Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage
11,029 degrees awarded •
371 colleges offer this program
Asian Bodywork Therapy
140 degrees awarded •
3 colleges offer this program
Somatic Bodywork
28 degrees awarded •
3 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Massage therapists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become massage therapists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do massage therapists make?
The median annual salary for massage therapists is $57,950.
What education do massage therapists need?
Most massage therapists positions require a postsecondary nondegree award.
Common degree programs include Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage, Asian Bodywork Therapy, Somatic Bodywork.
Is becoming massage therapists a good career choice?
Massage therapists is projected to see +15.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is much faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 24,700 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for massage therapists?
Top colleges for aspiring massage therapists include
Parker University, Cuyahoga Community College District, Estelle Medical Academy, Center for Massage, Jupiter Beauty Academy.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to massage therapists?
Massage therapists may also be known as: Bodywork Therapist, Certified Massage Therapist (CMT), Clinical Massage Therapist, Deep Tissue Massage Therapist, Integrated Deep Tissue Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Practitioner (LMP), Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), Massage Operator, Massage Therapist, Masseur, Masseuse, Massotherapist, Mechanotherapist, Medical Massage Therapist, Registered Massage Therapist (RMT), Rolfer, Skin Therapist, Soft Tissue Specialist, Spa Massage Therapist, Swedish Masseuse.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.