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Massage therapist: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 23, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$58,450median pay per year, or $28.10 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $33,640lowest 10% earn less
  2. $43,48025th percentile
  3. $58,450median
  4. $78,32075th percentile
  5. $100,200top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[4]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[2]

The median pay for massage therapists was $58,450 a year, which is above the median for all occupations[1][2]. Jobs are projected to grow 15.3% from 2025 to 2035[3].

Job growth, 2025–35
+15.3%[3]
Openings per year
20,400[5]
Typical entry education
Postsecondary nondegree award[6]

How much do massage therapists make?

The median pay for massage therapists was $58,450 a year, or $28.10 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less[1]. The average was $63,830 a year, or $30.69 an hour[7].

For comparison, the median for all occupations was $50,980 a year[2]. The median for massage therapists was higher than that[1][2].

Pay varies a lot from one worker to the next.

Point Annual Hourly
10th percentile[4][8] $33,640 $16.17
25th percentile[4][8] $43,480 $20.91
Median[1] $58,450 $28.10
75th percentile[4][8] $78,320 $37.66
90th percentile[4][8] $100,200 $48.17

The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $33,640 a year[4]. A percentile is a boundary, and BLS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[9].

These figures cover workers paid a wage or salary. They leave out the self-employed and do not count benefits[10]. About 35.6% of massage therapists were self-employed in 2025, so their earnings are not in the wage numbers above[11][10].

Pay by state and city

Alaska had the highest median pay at $134,930 a year, but only 570 jobs[12]. Washington came next at $87,360, then Oregon at $86,970 and Hawaii at $81,280[12]. Louisiana had the lowest median among the places listed, at $36,480[12].

California had the most jobs, 14,600, followed by Florida with 9,280 and Texas with 8,630[13]. California's median was $45,970[12].

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, the highest medians were in Kahului-Wailuku, HI ($96,820), Salem, OR ($96,080), Bend, OR ($94,580) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($94,220)[14]. Seattle also had 2,230 jobs[15].

The two metro areas with the most jobs were Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA with 5,680 jobs (median $43,530) and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ with 5,420 jobs (median $50,600)[15].

Show median pay in 49 states and DC
StateMedian per yearJobs
Alaska[12]$134,930570
Washington$87,3603,740
Oregon$86,9702,250
Hawaii$81,2801,330
New Hampshire$80,360270
Rhode Island$74,960290
North Dakota$74,140100
Maine$73,290370
Michigan$70,9602,410
District of Columbia$64,110120
Massachusetts$63,3902,830
Minnesota$63,0701,690
New York$62,6304,500
Arizona$62,4002,530
Maryland$62,2701,350
Connecticut$62,260700
Virginia$62,2202,730
Utah$62,1301,840
Missouri$62,0501,500
Wyoming$61,980150
Colorado$61,0603,950
North Carolina$60,6502,460
Illinois$60,4904,950
Idaho$60,420170
Kentucky$59,790780
Texas$59,3708,630
Delaware$58,870230
Pennsylvania$58,3002,990
Wisconsin$58,0701,520
South Carolina$58,0001,840
Iowa$57,710540
Ohio$55,9901,760
Indiana$55,5901,480
Nebraska$53,950270
Montana$53,540200
Nevada$53,5401,620
South Dakota$52,000180
Georgia$50,8201,700
New Jersey$50,1502,890
Tennessee$50,0701,230
Kansas$49,990780
Florida$49,6809,280
Alabama$48,930600
West Virginia$46,600250
California$45,97014,600
Mississippi$40,490230
Arkansas$39,990430
New Mexico$37,840360
Oklahoma$36,630520
Louisiana$36,480890

How to become a massage therapist

Requirements differ from state to state[16]. The usual path looks like this.

1) Finish a postsecondary program: BLS lists a postsecondary nondegree award as the typical entry education[6]. Programs are offered by private schools and by community colleges or other public institutions[17]. Depending on the program, a diploma or certificate takes several months or years[17]. 2) Meet the entry requirements. To get into these programs, you usually need a high school diploma or the equivalent[18]. Coursework mixes classroom study with hands-on practice, and covers sciences, business and ethics[18]. Some programs focus on a specialty such as sports, rehabilitative or oncology massage[19]. 3) Get licensed or registered. Most states regulate massage therapy and require a license or certification[16]. Requirements typically include graduating from an approved program and passing an exam[20]. 4) Check the extras. Some states may also ask for a background check, liability insurance or CPR certification[21]. Many states require continuing education credits and periodic license renewal[21]. The state licensing board has the details for where you plan to work[21].

BLS lists no typical work experience or on-the-job training for entry[6].

BLS names several qualities that matter in this work. They include communication, decision-making, empathy, integrity, interpersonal skills and physical stamina[22][23][24][25][26][27].

What massage therapists do

Massage therapists give therapeutic massages to soft tissues and joints[28]. Typical tasks include:

Where they work

Self-employed workers were the largest employer group listed, at 36% in 2025[30]. Some therapists travel to events, clients' homes or other sites, and others work from their own homes[31]. Self-employed therapists may bring their own table or chair, sheets, pillows and oils[31].

Working conditions vary. Some therapists give relaxing massages in dimly lit rooms, while others give rehabilitative massages in bright clinical settings or at outdoor events[32].

Part-time work is common, and hours vary a great deal since therapists usually work by appointment[33]. Many therapists cannot give massages 8 hours a day, 5 days a week[33].

The work is physically demanding. Repetitive-motion problems and tiredness from long periods of standing are the most common injuries and illnesses[34]. Good body mechanics, well-spaced sessions and exercise can lower the risk[35].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment of massage therapists to grow 15.3% from 2025 to 2035, from about 155,400 to 179,100 jobs, a gain of 23,700[3]. For all occupations, projected growth is 3.5%[36]. The projection counts include self-employed workers[3].

About 20,400 openings a year are projected on average[5]. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs[5]. Each year, 5.6% of massage therapists are projected to leave the labor force and 5.2% to move to a different occupation[37].

Is it a good fit?

The median pay was above the all-occupations median, and the 90th percentile reached $100,200 a year[1][2][4]. Training can take from several months to years depending on the program, and most states require a license[17][16]. Projected growth is well above the all-occupations rate[3][36]. The work is physically demanding, hours often vary and part-time work is common[34][33]. Many therapists are self-employed, and their earnings are not covered by the wage figures here[11][10].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[38].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a massage therapist make an hour?
The median was $28.10 an hour and the average was $30.69 an hour in May 2025[1][7]. The 10th percentile was $16.17 and the 90th percentile was $48.17[8].
How long does it take to become a massage therapist?
A diploma or certificate takes from several months to years, depending on the program[17]. Most states also require a license[16].
What education do you need to be a massage therapist?
BLS lists a postsecondary nondegree award as the typical entry education[6]. Programs usually ask for a high school diploma or the equivalent[18].
Are massage therapists in demand?
BLS projects 15.3% job growth from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations[3][36]. About 20,400 openings a year are projected[5].
What is the highest paying state for massage therapists?
Alaska had the highest median at $134,930 a year, followed by Washington at $87,360 and Oregon at $86,970[12].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Massage Therapists in the US was $58,450 per year and $28.10 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  3. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Massage Therapists is projected to grow 15.3% from 2025 to 2035, from about 155,400 to 179,100 jobs (a change of +23,700). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Massage Therapists: 10th percentile $33,640, 25th percentile $43,480, 75th percentile $78,320, 90th percentile $100,200. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS Employment Projections: about 20,400 openings for Massage Therapists are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  6. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Massage Therapists: education needed for entry: Postsecondary nondegree award; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: None. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Massage Therapists was $63,830 per year and $30.69 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  8. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Massage Therapists: 10th percentile $16.17, 25th percentile $20.91, 75th percentile $37.66, 90th percentile $48.17. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS Employment Projections: 35.6% of Massage Therapists were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  12. Median annual wage for Massage Therapists in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Massage Therapists jobs: California 14,600; Florida 9,280; Texas 8,630; Illinois 4,950; New York 4,500. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Massage Therapists (areas with at least 100 jobs): Kahului-Wailuku, HI $96,820; Salem, OR $96,080; Bend, OR $94,580; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $94,220; Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $84,730; Eugene-Springfield, OR $83,880; Bellingham, WA $83,790; Medford, OR $82,370. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Massage Therapists jobs: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 5,680 (median $43,530); New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 5,420 (median $50,600); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 3,890 (median $61,200); Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 2,930 (median $59,010); Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL 2,740 (median $48,370); Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA 2,230 (median $94,220). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  24. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  25. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  26. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  27. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. O*NET description of Massage Therapists. O*NET OnLine
  29. O*NET task list for Massage Therapists. O*NET OnLine
  30. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of massage therapists in 2025: Self-employed workers 36%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  35. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  36. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  37. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Massage Therapists: 5.6% of workers leave the labor force each year and 5.2% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  38. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.