Career comparison
Athletic Trainer vs. Massage Therapist
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Athletic trainers earn more at the median ($62,520 vs. $58,450), while massage therapists usually get to work faster (6–12 months of training). Athletic trainers prevent, treat and rehabilitate injuries for athletes and active people. Massage therapists relieve pain and stress with therapeutic massage.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Athletic Trainer | Massage Therapist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $62,520 | $58,450 ($28.10/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $48,180 – $88,760 | $33,640 – $100,200 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +12.7% (much faster than average) | +15.3% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 2,400 | 20,400 |
| Typical entry education | Master's degree | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Training time | Bachelor’s plus 2-year master’s | 6–12 months |
| Key credential | BOC Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) | State massage therapy license |
| Work setting | Athletic trainers work in training rooms, on fields and courts, in clinics and at industrial sites, in all weather.. | Massage therapists work in spas, clinics, gyms, offices and clients’ homes, in calm treatment rooms. |
What each job does
Athletic Trainer
- Prevent injuries with taping, bracing and conditioning
- Evaluate injuries on the field and in the clinic
- Provide emergency care
- Design and supervise rehabilitation
- Manage concussion protocols
Massage Therapist
- 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
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others, working with people, hands-on work, and in-demand. Both are part of the beauty, fitness & personal care field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose athletic trainer if…
- I love sports and medicine
- I stay calm during injuries
- I like hands-on care
Choose massage therapist if…
- I want to help people feel better
- I’m comfortable with touch-based work
- I have good stamina
Still torn? Take the Athletic Trainer fit quiz and the Massage Therapist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, athletic trainer or massage therapist?
Athletic Trainers earn more at the median: $62,520 versus $58,450 for massage therapists, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Massage Therapists typically train faster (6–12 months) than athletic trainers (Bachelor’s plus 2-year master’s).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects massage therapists to grow +15.3% from 2025–35, compared with +12.7% for athletic trainers.