Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Working effectively with people by building relationships, understanding others, and responding appropriately.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Massage therapists typically complete a postsecondary education that combines study and experience, although standards and requirements vary by state. Most states regulate massage therapy and require massage therapists to have a license or certification. PayThe median annual wage for massage therapists was $58,450 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 15 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 20,400 openings for massage therapists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for massage therapists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of massage therapists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about massage therapists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Explore shorter-term education and training pathways that may prepare you for this type of work.
Pay
The median annual wage for massage therapists was $58,450 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 15 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 20,400 openings for massage therapists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for massage therapists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of massage therapists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about massage therapists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 15 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 20,400 openings for massage therapists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for massage therapists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of massage therapists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about massage therapists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Massage therapists treat clients by applying pressure to manipulate the body's soft tissues and joints.
Work Environment
Massage therapists work in an array of settings, such as spas and offices of other health practitioners. Some also travel to local events, clients’ homes, or other sites. Part-time work is common, and work schedules may vary. Many massage therapists are self-employed.
How to Become a Massage Therapist
Massage therapists typically complete a postsecondary education that combines study and experience, although standards and requirements vary by state. Most states regulate massage therapy and require massage therapists to have a license or certification.
Pay
The median annual wage for massage therapists was $58,450 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 15 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 20,400 openings for massage therapists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for massage therapists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of massage therapists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about massage therapists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Massage therapists work in an array of settings, such as spas and offices of other health practitioners. Some also travel to local events, clients’ homes, or other sites. Part-time work is common, and work schedules may vary. Many massage therapists are self-employed.
How to Become a Massage Therapist
Massage therapists typically complete a postsecondary education that combines study and experience, although standards and requirements vary by state. Most states regulate massage therapy and require massage therapists to have a license or certification.
Pay
The median annual wage for massage therapists was $58,450 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 15 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 20,400 openings for massage therapists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for massage therapists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of massage therapists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about massage therapists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for massage therapists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of massage therapists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about massage therapists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about massage therapists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.