Beauty, Fitness & Personal Care career

Massage Therapist

Also called: Licensed Massage Therapist · LMT · Sports Massage Therapist · Medical Massage Therapist

What massage therapists do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a massage therapist do?

Massage therapists treat clients by manipulating muscles and soft tissue to relieve pain, reduce stress, aid recovery and promote wellness. The median pay is $58,450 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 6–12 months, and employment is projected to grow +15.3% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $58,450
    $28.10/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +15.3%
    2025–35, much faster than average
  • Openings per year
    20,400
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Postsecondary nondegree award
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    6–12 months
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    155,400
    Employment, 2025

What massage therapists do

Massage therapists help clients feel better. They review health history, assess problem areas, choose techniques such as Swedish, deep tissue or sports massage, perform sessions and suggest stretches and self-care. They work in spas, clinics, chiropractic offices, gyms and private practices.

Most states require massage therapists to complete an approved program, often 500 hours or more, pass the MBLEx and get a state license. Massage therapy is one of the fastest-growing personal care careers.

Typical duties

  • Review client health history
  • Assess areas of pain or tension
  • Perform therapeutic massage
  • Use techniques such as Swedish and deep tissue
  • Suggest stretches and self-care
  • Keep session notes
  • Maintain a clean treatment room

Work environment and schedule

Massage therapists work in spas, clinics, gyms, offices and clients’ homes, in calm treatment rooms. The work is physical.

Schedule: Many work part-time or flexible schedules, including evenings and weekends.

A day in the life

  1. Prepare the room with fresh linens and review intake forms.
  2. Give a deep tissue massage for low back pain.
  3. Give a relaxing Swedish massage.
  4. Take a break and stretch.

See a full day in the life of a massage therapist →

Massage Therapist salary

Half of massage therapists earned more than $58,450 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $33,640 for the lowest 10% to $100,200 for the top 10%.

Full massage therapist pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a massage therapist

  1. Enroll in a massage program
  2. Complete training
  3. Pass the MBLEx
  4. Get licensed
  5. Grow

Most states require completion of an approved massage therapy program, often 500 hours or more, plus the MBLEx exam and a state license.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a massage therapist →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Massage techniques
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Client assessment
  • Contraindications
  • Body mechanics

People skills

  • Empathy
  • Communication
  • Professional boundaries
  • Calm presence

All massage therapist skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Fast-growing field
  • Help clients feel better
  • Flexible hours
  • Private practice options

Cons

  • Physically demanding
  • Income depends on clients
  • Risk of hand and wrist strain
  • Evening and weekend work

Certifications and licenses

  • State massage therapy license: Required in most states.
  • MBLEx: The Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination.
  • NCBTMB Board Certification: Advanced national certification.
  • Specialty certifications: Such as sports, prenatal or medical massage.

Career path

  1. Massage Therapist: Provide sessions.
  2. Specialist: Sports, prenatal or medical massage.
  3. Lead Therapist or Educator: Train others.
  4. Practice Owner: Run your own business.

Learn the job before day one

Our Massage Therapist training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as conduct a client intake and use proper body mechanics, safety and how to land your first job.

View Massage Therapist trainingIs this career right for me?

Personal Trainer

Coach people to get stronger, fitter and healthier.

  • $47,160
  • 2–6 months for certification

Esthetician

Care for clients’ skin with facials, treatments and expert advice.

  • $45,330
  • 4–9 months

Athletic Trainer

Prevent, treat and rehabilitate injuries for athletes and active people.

  • $62,520
  • Bachelor’s plus 2-year master’s

Compare: Massage Therapist vs. PT Assistant · Massage Therapist vs. Personal Trainer · Massage Therapist vs. Esthetician · Massage Therapist vs. Athletic Trainer

Massage Therapist FAQ

How long is massage school?

Often 6 to 12 months.

Is massage therapy growing?

Yes. BLS projects much faster than average growth.

What is the MBLEx?

The national licensing exam used by most states.

How much does a massage therapist make?

The median annual wage for massage therapists was $58,450 ($28.10 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $33,640 and the highest 10% earned more than $100,200.

How long does it take to become a massage therapist?

Most people need about 6–12 months of training. Most states require completion of an approved massage therapy program, often 500 hours or more, plus the MBLEx exam and a state license.

Do you need a degree to be a massage therapist?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education.

More massage therapist questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Enroll in trainingTake fit quiz