Massage Therapists
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.
What it pays
Massage Therapists earn a median of $28.10/hr — about $58,500 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $16.17/hr; the top 10% earn $48.17/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
Massage Therapists earn a median of $28.10/hr — about $58,500 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $16.17/hr; the top 10% earn $48.17/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
What you'd actually do
- 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.
How you get there
Typical entry-level education: Post-secondary certificate. Overall preparation: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).
The feel of the work
The work is mostly indoors; it rewards working independently. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)
Working for yourself
About 41.9% of massage therapists are self-employed.
Who it tends to fit
This work tends to fit people who are people-focused, hands-on and analytical.
Work a simulated shift in this job — freeMake the real decisions this job involves, then see what your choices say about you.Related careers
- Physical Therapist Assistants
- Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other
- Dental Assistants
- Medical Equipment Preparers
- Medical Assistants
Quick questions
- How much does a massage therapist make?
- The median pay is $28.10 per hour — roughly $58,500 a year, with the real range running from about $16.17/hr (10th percentile) to $48.17/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Do you need a degree to be a massage therapist?
- The typical entry-level education is: Post-secondary certificate. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).
- What does a massage therapist actually do all day?
- 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.
Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.