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.
Massage Therapists
SOC: 31-9011 O*NET: 31-9011.00
Median Salary
$57,950
per year
Job Growth
🚀 15.4%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
24.7
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
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 does a Massage Therapists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$33,280
10th percentile
Early Career
$44,870
25th percentile
Median
$57,950
50th percentile
Experienced
$77,170
75th percentile
Top Earners
$97,450
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$33,280
25th
$44,870
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$57,950
Mean: $63,430
75th
$77,170
90th
$97,450
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $64,170 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $44,870 and $77,170
- •Salary spread is 55.7% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 96,040 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Very High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:168,000
Top Industries
Other Services (except Public Administration)52.2%
Personal and Laundry Services52.1%
Personal Care Services51.7%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+15.4%
Annual Openings:24,700
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)168,000
Current
2034 (Projected)193,900
+15.4%
+25,900
Employment Change
+15.4%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Much faster than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Massage Therapists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
15,240 jobs$48,4301.36x
Texas
7,780 jobs$56,5400.90x
Florida
7,660 jobs$49,8801.25x
New York
4,700 jobs$58,7300.79x
Illinois
4,600 jobs$60,6401.22x
Colorado
4,160 jobs$59,5602.31x
Washington
3,590 jobs$82,8201.63x
Arizona
2,840 jobs$59,5501.42x
North Carolina
2,750 jobs$61,6700.90x
Pennsylvania
2,700 jobs$57,6600.72x
Massachusetts
2,490 jobs$59,4701.10x
Ohio
2,480 jobs$50,4300.72x
New Jersey
2,430 jobs$56,7600.92x
Oregon
2,280 jobs$82,8601.86x
Virginia
2,150 jobs$56,8500.85x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Much faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Speaking
100%
#2
Active Listening
94%
#3
Social Perceptiveness
86%
#4
Service Orientation
80%
#5
Judgment and Decision Making
74%
#6
Reading Comprehension
66%
#7
Writing
60%
#8
Active Learning
54%
#9
Monitoring
46%
#10
Critical Thinking
40%
Skills Overview
Speaking
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.7
94%
Social Perceptiveness
intermediate4.3
86%
Service Orientation
intermediate4.0
80%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.7
74%
Reading Comprehension
basic3.3
66%
Writing
intermediate3.0
60%
Active Learning
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Speaking
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Active Listening
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Service Orientation
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Active Learning
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Monitoring
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Interpreters and Translators100%
5 shared skills
Physical Therapist Assistants100%
5 shared skills
Acupuncturists82%
5 shared skills
Registered Nurses82%
5 shared skills
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers82%
5 shared skills
Urologists82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓Service Orientation
Learn on the Job:
- →Writing
- →Reading Comprehension
- →Active Learning
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓Service Orientation
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Speaking
- ★Active Listening
- ★Social Perceptiveness
- ★Service Orientation
- ★Judgment and Decision Making
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Massage Therapists
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
14
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (7)Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)Analysis & Evaluation (1)Planning & Development (2)Operations & Execution (1)
1
Confer with clients about their medical histories and problems with stress or pain to determine how massage will be most helpful.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Apply finger and hand pressure to specific points of the body.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Massage and knead muscles and soft tissues of the body to provide treatment for medical conditions, injuries, or wellness maintenance.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Maintain treatment records.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping91% perform94%
5
Provide clients with guidance and information about techniques for postural improvement and stretching, strengthening, relaxation, and rehabilitative exercises.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Assess clients' soft tissue condition, joint quality and function, muscle strength, and range of motion.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation85% perform90%
7
Develop and propose client treatment plans that specify which types of massage are to be used.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Refer clients to other types of therapists when necessary.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Use complementary aids, such as infrared lamps, wet compresses, ice, and whirlpool baths to promote clients' recovery, relaxation, and well-being.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Treat clients in professional settings or travel to clients' offices and homes.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •50% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Massage Therapists
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Massage Therapists professionals typically have a SRI Holland code and highly value relationships
SSocial
RRealistic
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Massage Therapists
Concern for Others
CriticalConcern for Others
Importance Level4.88
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.81
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.77
Self-Control
CriticalSelf-Control
Importance Level4.58
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.31
Independence
Very ImportantIndependence
Importance Level4.27
Complete Work Styles Profile
Concern for Others
4.9
Dependability
4.8
Integrity
4.8
Self-Control
4.6
Cooperation
4.3
Independence
4.3
Attention to Detail
4.2
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.0
Initiative
4.0
Achievement/Effort
3.8
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
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