Massage Therapist

Your Fit

Income

$58K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

18.3%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Massage Therapist?

A Massage Therapist is a trained professional who uses touch and various massage techniques to manipulate the soft-tissue muscles of the body, providing relief from pain, stress, and tension. This therapy promotes relaxation, improves circulation, and enhances overall well-being.

Sample job titles:

Certified Massage Therapist (CMT), Licensed Massage Practitioner (LMP), Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), Massage Therapist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Massage Therapist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Massage Therapist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$33K per year	$45K per year	$58K per year	$77K per year	$97K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $8.45K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Massage Therapist do?

Work environment

Massage Therapists work in diverse settings, including spas, wellness centers, sports facilities, private practices, and healthcare establishments. They often have flexible schedules, which can include evenings and weekends, to accommodate client appointments.

Quick task list

Consults with clients about symptoms, medical history, and desired results.
Evaluates clients to determine painful or stressed areas of the body.
Manipulates muscles and other soft tissues of the body.
Provides guidance on stretching, strengthening, overall relaxation, and how to improve posture.
Maintains client records.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Swedish Massage: A gentle form focusing on relaxation and general wellness.
Deep Tissue Massage: Targets deep layers of muscle and connective tissue, useful for chronic pain.
Sports Massage: Tailored for athletes, focusing on injury prevention and treatment.
Reflexology: Involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, and ears.
Prenatal Massage: Specialized for the needs of pregnant women.

Description

Massage Therapy is a holistic approach to health and wellness, rooted in ancient healing traditions. As a Massage Therapist, you'll have the opportunity to directly impact the well-being of your clients. This career requires a blend of physical skill, knowledge of human anatomy, and interpersonal communication. Therapists need to be attentive to each client's individual needs and comfortable with physical contact as a primary tool of their profession.

The field of Massage Therapy has grown significantly, with a wide range of techniques and approaches. A successful therapist keeps up with these developments and may choose to specialize in specific types of massage. This specialization can enhance your marketability and allow you to cater to specific client groups, such as athletes or those with chronic pain.

Working as a Massage Therapist can be physically demanding, often requiring standing for long periods and using your hands and arms. However, the occupation can be extremely rewarding, offering the satisfaction of providing relief and wellness to others. Flexibility in work hours and environments is another benefit, allowing for a balance between professional and personal life.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Providing relief and promoting wellness for clients.
Flexibility in work hours and settings.
Continuous learning and specialization in various massage techniques.

You might make a good Massage Therapist if you are...

Interested in health and wellness with a desire to help others.
Comfortable with physical touch as a form of therapy.
Good at communicating and empathizing with clients.
Physically able to perform massages and stand for extended periods.
Self-motivated, especially if considering private practice.

Pros:

Direct impact on improving clients' physical and mental health.
Flexible work settings and hours.
Potential for self-employment and entrepreneurship.

Cons:

Physical demands, including risks of strain from repetitive motions.
Building a client base can be challenging, especially in self-employment.
Variable income, particularly in settings where pay depends on the number of clients.

How to become a Massage Therapist

Typical education

The education requirement varies by state, but typically includes completing a postsecondary education program of 500-1,000 hours in length, which can take about 1 year. Most states also require a license or certification.

High school preparation

Courses:

Anatomy and physiology to understand the body's structures and systems.
Health and wellness courses for a foundation in holistic health practices.
Business studies if considering private practice.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in sports or physical activities to understand body mechanics.
Volunteering in health and wellness events or facilities.
Joining clubs related to health sciences.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in a state-approved massage therapy program.
Gain hands-on experience through internships or practical training segments in the program.
Prepare for and pass the state licensure or certification examination, where required.

More resources

American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) - Provides industry news, resources, and continuing education opportunities.
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) - Offers membership benefits including insurance, education, and business support.
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) - Offers board certification and resources for massage therapists.
Massage Therapy Foundation - Supports research, education, and community service in massage therapy.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET Online) - Detailed information about massage therapist responsibilities, skills, and education requirements.

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