How to become massage therapistseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Caregiving Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$58,450

25th–75th pct. $43,480–$78,320

Top pay (est.)

$130,300

Top 10% $100,200

Pay in 5 years

$69,400est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$82,400est.

$70,900–$95,700

Outlook score

76/100

★★★★☆ Good

AI replacement risk

18%

Very low

Job growth (10 yr)

+15.3%

20K openings / yr

How to become massage therapists

Typical education

Postsecondary nondegree award

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Massage Therapists

Key skills

Speaking

3.4

Reading Comprehension

3.1

Active Listening

3.1

Service Orientation

3.1

Critical Thinking

3.1

Social Perceptiveness

3.0

Active Learning

2.9

Judgment and Decision Making

2.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service

4.4

Psychology

3.4

Education and Training

3.3

Biology

3.2

English Language

2.9

Sales and Marketing

2.7

Administrative

2.6

Medicine and Dentistry

2.5

What the work involves

Performing General Physical ActivitiesAssisting and Caring for OthersUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsHandling and Moving ObjectsGetting InformationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Important abilities

Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionDynamic StrengthTrunk StrengthFinger DexterityProblem Sensitivity

Training before entry

None / short demo

33%

Up to 1 month

30%

1–3 months

11%

6–12 months

3–6 months

1–2 years

2–4 years

4–10 years

Related work experience

None

36%

6–12 months

25%

1–2 years

14%

Up to 1 month

3–6 months

2–4 years

4–6 years

1–3 months

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as massage therapists

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Nursing Assistants Provide or assist with basic care or support under the direction of onsite licensed nursing staff.	$42,260	53/100	26%
2	Medical Assistants Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician.	$45,690	63/100	43%
3	Dental Assistants Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist.	$48,070	67/100	27%
4	Phlebotomists Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research.	$45,230	60/100	35%
5	Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics.	$38,150	66/100	20%
6	Physical Therapist Assistants Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures.	$68,380	81/100	15%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.