Massage Therapists

Overview

Massage Therapists has a national median salary of $58,450 per year, with +15.3% projected job growth from 2025–2035. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a postsecondary certificate as the typical education needed to enter this occupation.

Description

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.

Work Values

• Relationships
• Independence
• Achievement

Work Styles

Responsibilities

Tasks

• Massage and knead muscles and soft tissues of the body to provide treatment for medical conditions, injuries, or wellness maintenance.
• Apply finger and hand pressure to specific points of the body.
• Confer with clients about their medical histories and problems with stress or pain to determine how massage will be most helpful.
• Maintain massage areas by restocking supplies or sanitizing equipment.
• Treat clients in professional settings or travel to clients' offices and homes.

Work Activities

• Performing General Physical Activities
• Assisting and Caring for Others
• Getting Information
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
• Documenting/Recording Information
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
• Handling and Moving Objects
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Detailed Work Activities

• Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

T-A-S-K

Technology, Abilities, Skills & Knowledge

Education

Education Levels of Current Workers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a postsecondary certificate as the typical education needed to enter this occupation. The chart below shows the highest level of education held by people already working in this field, ages 25 and older. It includes workers who earned more education than the job requires and workers who entered the field under earlier requirements, so the largest bar is not the entry requirement. For example, if someone finished a bachelor's degree and then started working in this field, they are counted under “Bachelor's degree” here, but the job itself typically asks for a postsecondary certificate.

Certificates

Certifications applicable to Massage Therapists:

Video Resources