Massage Therapist
Massage Therapists use manual techniques — Swedish, deep tissue, sports, trigger point, and other modalities — to relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve circulation. They work in spas, chiropractic offices, physical therapy clinics, hospitals, and private practice. Most states require a license, typically earned by completing a 500–1,000 hour training program and passing the MBLEx exam.
BLS OEWS, most recent release.
Time to certify
Required exam
Exam cost
Education
Renewal
Annual openings
What it's actually like
A day-to-day reality check, grounded in current practitioner sources — not just the salary math.
Hours / week
Shift length
Weekends
Where you work
checklist A typical shift
- check_circle Prepare the treatment room by ensuring it is clean, setting a relaxing ambiance with lighting and music, and laying out fresh linens.
- check_circle Review the client's history, symptoms, and treatment goals before their session.
- check_circle Conduct an initial evaluation of the client to locate painful or tense areas of the body.
- check_circle Perform massages, which can last from 30 to 90 minutes, using various techniques to manipulate muscles and soft tissues.
- check_circle Provide clients with guidance on stretching, relaxation techniques, and improving posture between sessions.
- check_circle Document the client's condition and the progress of their treatment.
- check_circle Clean and sanitize the workspace and equipment after each session.
Physical demand
The job requires prolonged periods of standing, and the use of physical strength and stamina to manipulate clients' muscles and soft tissues.
Stress level
Stress can arise from the physical demands of the job, managing difficult clients, and the responsibilities of running a business for those who are self-employed.
thumb_up Best fit if
- add_circle You are interested in anatomy, physiology, and the mechanics of the human body.
- add_circle You are physically active and have the stamina to stand for long periods and perform repetitive motions.
- add_circle You are empathetic and enjoy helping people relieve pain and stress.
- add_circle You desire a flexible work schedule and the potential for self-employment.
thumb_down Skip if
- do_not_disturb_on You are not comfortable with close physical contact with a variety of people.
- do_not_disturb_on You have physical limitations or health concerns that would make it difficult to perform physically demanding work.
- do_not_disturb_on You are squeamish about the human body and its functions.
- do_not_disturb_on You are unwilling to pursue continuing education to maintain licensure and stay current with new techniques.
Sources cited (16)
The Landscape
The national landscape for Massage Therapists shows a healthy median salary of $57,950 and a positive projected growth of over 15%, with low exposure to AI disruption. A clear regional trend reveals the Pacific Northwest and select Northeast states as salary leaders, with Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii consistently paying over $80,000. These areas often feature higher costs of living and a strong demand for wellness services, contributing to elevated wages.
Alaska stands out as a dramatic outlier with a median salary of $135,200, more than double many other states, likely driven by extreme cost of living and a specialized market with fewer practitioners. Interestingly, Vermont also commands a high median of $105,490 despite not requiring a state license, suggesting strong local demand can override state-level regulation. For the four states without statewide licensing (VT, MN, KS, WY), this typically means requirements are managed at the municipal level, creating a complex patchwork of local rules rather than complete freedom from regulation.
Beyond salary, the biggest differences lie in licensing hurdles: some states, like New York, require their own specific exams instead of the common MBLEx, while others, such as Nebraska, mandate extensive education hours. Most states include criminal background checks, and several require ongoing CPR certification, adding to the initial and ongoing compliance. These varying requirements mean that moving between states can be more complicated than simply transferring a license, often requiring new applications or additional coursework.
Massage Therapist by State
Click any state for detailed requirements & ROI.
| State | License | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes | $48,960 | -15.5% |
| Alaska | Yes | $135,200 | +133.3% |
| Arizona | Yes | $59,550 | +2.8% |
| Arkansas | Yes | $31,280 | -46.0% |
| California | No | $48,430 | -16.4% |
| Colorado | Yes | $59,560 | +2.8% |
| Connecticut | Yes | $59,270 | +2.3% |
| Delaware | Yes | $53,920 | -7.0% |
| District of Columbia | Yes | $62,220 | +7.4% |
| Florida | Yes | $49,880 | -13.9% |
| Georgia | Yes | $56,740 | -2.1% |
| Hawaii | Yes | $80,590 | +39.1% |
| Idaho | Yes | $70,470 | +21.6% |
| Illinois | Yes | $60,640 | +4.6% |
| Indiana | Yes | $52,740 | -9.0% |
| Iowa | Yes | $62,400 | +7.7% |
| Kansas | No | $47,940 | -17.3% |
| Kentucky | Yes | $54,890 | -5.3% |
| Louisiana | Yes | $58,010 | +0.1% |
| Maine | Yes | $67,420 | +16.3% |
| Maryland | Yes | $58,390 | +0.8% |
| Massachusetts | Yes | $59,470 | +2.6% |
| Michigan | Yes | $54,510 | -5.9% |
| Minnesota | No | $75,500 | +30.3% |
| Mississippi | Yes | $42,510 | -26.6% |
| Missouri | Yes | $66,870 | +15.4% |
| Montana | Yes | $52,000 | -10.3% |
| Nebraska | Yes | $55,080 | -5.0% |
| Nevada | Yes | $52,000 | -10.3% |
| New Hampshire | Yes | $62,830 | +8.4% |
| New Jersey | Yes | $56,760 | -2.1% |
| New Mexico | Yes | $47,660 | -17.8% |
| New York | Yes | $58,730 | +1.3% |
| North Carolina | Yes | $61,670 | +6.4% |
| North Dakota | Yes | $70,720 | +22.0% |
| Ohio | Yes | $50,430 | -13.0% |
| Oklahoma | Yes | $48,140 | -16.9% |
| Oregon | Yes | $82,860 | +43.0% |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | $57,660 | -0.5% |
| Rhode Island | Yes | — | — |
| South Carolina | Yes | $62,830 | +8.4% |
| South Dakota | Yes | $40,780 | -29.6% |
| Tennessee | Yes | $49,670 | -14.3% |
| Texas | Yes | $56,540 | -2.4% |
| Utah | Yes | $61,010 | +5.3% |
| Vermont | No | $105,490 | +82.0% |
| Virginia | Yes | $56,850 | -1.9% |
| Washington | Yes | $82,820 | +42.9% |
| West Virginia | Yes | $42,730 | -26.3% |
| Wisconsin | Yes | $57,530 | -0.7% |
| Wyoming | Yes | $32,430 | -44.0% |