Massage Therapists
O*NET 31-9011.00 · SOC 31-9011
Massage Therapist is a strong career choice. Median pay is $58k a year with +15.3% projected growth through 2035 (much faster than average) and about 20,400 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Apply pressure to muscles and soft tissues using hands
- →Consult with clients about pain areas before each session
- →Adjust massage pressure and technique based on client feedback
- →Drape clients with sheets to maintain comfort and privacy
- →Recommend stretching exercises clients can do between appointments
Education & How to Get In
Most Massage Therapist positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Massage Therapist involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Massage Therapist?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Massage Therapist Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Massage Therapists is projected to grow 15.3% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·40% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·27% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
- ·Strong projected growth suggests AI-complementary demand
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Massage Therapist make?
The median Massage Therapist earns $58k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Massage Therapist jobs?
Our model puts Massage Therapist at 9 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 40% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 27% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Massage Therapist a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 15.3% between 2025 and 2035, which is much faster than average. That works out to roughly 20,400 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Massage Therapist?
Most Massage Therapist roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Massage Therapist?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Massage Therapist career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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