How to Become a Massage Therapist
Treat pain, stress, and injury through therapeutic massage, in clinics, spas, and private practice. It typically requires a postsecondary certificate, with a median salary of $58,450 per year and much faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$58,450/yr
Job growth
7%
Openings / yr
24,700
Majors that lead here
Common majors include Massage Therapy, Kinesiology / Exercise Science.
Key skills
- Therapeutic Massage
- Anatomy Knowledge
- Client Assessment
- Communication
- Self-Care
Helpful certifications
- State massage therapy licensure (MBLEx)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
null/100
Satisfaction
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Related careers
- Psychiatrist$281,870 median
- Physician (Family Medicine)$244,180 median
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)$236,590 median
- Dentist$170,950 median
- Pharmacist$140,910 median
- Optometrist$136,570 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Massage Therapist make?
The median pay for a Massage Therapist is $58,450 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Massage Therapist?
The usual entry point is a postsecondary certificate. Common majors are Massage Therapy and Kinesiology / Exercise Science.
Is Massage Therapist a growing field?
The BLS projects much faster than average demand for this role, about 7% over the decade, with roughly 24,700 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Massage Therapist use most?
Common skills for this role are Therapeutic Massage, Anatomy Knowledge, Client Assessment, Communication, and Self-Care.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.