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Massage Therapist Salary Information

Many people interested in beginning a career in massage therapy have wondered, how much does a massage therapist make? This can vary, of course, depending on the location of employment, career path, experience, and number of hours worked, but here are some estimates to give you a general idea about the pay for massage therapy jobs:

  • Skilled and experienced massage therapists with thriving private practices can make well over $60,000. According to recent US Labor reports, the top tier of massage therapists reported making up to $69,000 per year!
  • The median annual salary rate for massage therapists is typically over $34,000.
  • Specialty Hospitals typically pay the highest out of other massage therapy employers with employees averaging around $55,020 per year.

As you can see there is a wide range of compensation levels in the massage therapy profession. The main reason for this is that some massage therapists own their own businesses and get to keep all the money they earn for massage, while other work through a spa or other company which is entitled to portion of the hours they bill.

If you want to make the most money possible from your massage career, then forming your own sole proprietorship or small business is clearly the way to go. These therapists are the ones who make the most money, but there is a trade off. They also take on the most risk and have the greatest responsibilities. Massage therapists who choose to work through a spa or other health organization receive many benefits that make their lives easier. These companies help them find new clients, provide facilities and equipment for them to provide massage services with, and take responsibility for collecting payment from clients. Having someone else worry about these things will certainly make your life a lot easier!

Ultimately this is a personal choice every massage therapist must make and there are benefits and drawbacks to both sides. One great thing about the massage therapist profession is that you can decide what level income you want to pursue. This makes it a great career choice for all different types of people.

All Figures courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment & Wages database.

  • Ashworth College

    Ashworth offers respected, affordable online degree programs and expert guidance to help you meet your goals while balancing work and family. Now you can get the precise training you need to become the professional you’ve always wanted to be. And you can go as far as your education takes you.

  • National Massage Therapy Institute

    Are you seeking a rewarding new profession or just additional income? A part-time or full-time career as a Massage Therapist may be the solution you are looking for and the National Massage Therapy Institute can provide you with the necessary training to become a successful Massage Therapist in just 9 months!

    The National Massage Therapy Institute (NMTI) has a singular focus and passion: professional massage therapy training. The school’s Massage Therapy program has been carefully crafted by local industry experts and aims to produce highly qualified massage therapists to meet the industry’s growing demand.

    NMTI is proud to be accredited by COMTA (The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation), an agency listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). NMTI is also a member of the American Massage Therapy Association and the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals, and certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

  • Fremont College

    At Fremont College, we have experienced teachers who are the leaders of today, shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

  • Baltimore School of Massage

    Do you want a career that offers the satisfaction of helping people, the ability to earn a good living, and a work environment that is positive and exciting? After as little as seven months at the Baltimore School of Massage York Campus, that career can be yours.

    Whether your dream is to work in a medical office, cruise ship, a resort spa, or a day spa or salon close to home, the education you receive at the Baltimore School of Massage York Campus can help get you there.

  • Globe Education

    At Globe University and Minnesota School of Business we prepare students for exciting careers in high-value fields. Imagine getting paid for what you love doing. It all starts with career-based training at any one of our Globe University or Minnesota School of Business campuses. We offer master’s, bachelor’s and associate degrees, diplomas and certificates. Our graduates are prepared for careers in business, health science, technology, legal science and creative media.

    Here you will find a dynamic learning environment, with hands-on training that gives you the experience you need to succeed in the real world. We’re committed to helping you succeed, not only in your training, but in your chosen career.

  • Cortiva Institute - Schools of Massage Therapy

    Massage therapy is growing by leaps and bounds and has become a well respected health care profession, yet it remains under recognized for what it has to offer you as a career path. If you’re looking for a vocation that provides a true connection to people, diversity, autonomy, fulfillment, and possibilities, massage therapy may well be the career you’ve been searching for.

  • Bryan College

    As a leading source of Health & Wellness training for the Northern California area, Bryan College prides itself on being an elite school for career-minded individuals who are committed to their training and future careers. Our goal is to graduate students who have received an excellent education, and who are inspired and confident to step into their new careers as Massage Therapists, Personal Trainers, and Wellness Consultants.

  • Denver School of Massage Therapy

    The Denver School of Massage Therapy (DSMT) trains students for the numerous massage job opportunities in spas, medical settings, cruise ships, or private practices. For over 20 years, the Denver School of Massage Therapy has provided professional massage therapy training programs. DSMT has two campus locations in Westminster and Aurora, Colorado. DSMT has high standards for their programs, and is committed to the highest standards of bodywork education. The Denver School of Massage Therapy is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET).

  • Texas Center for Massage Therapy

    Do you want a career that offers the satisfaction of helping people and a work environment that is positive and exciting? With the education you will receive at the Texas Center for Massage Therapy, that career can be yours.

    Massage therapy is a flexible and rewarding career in which you not only take care of others – you also take care of yourself! You can work in a resort spa, cruise ship, medical office, sports clinic, destination spa, or a day spa close to home. You can even start your own private practice!

  • Virginia School of Massage

    We have been providing high-quality education to the Charlottesville community for more than 18 years. The training you will receive at the Virginia School of Massage will prepare you for fulfilling and financially-rewarding careers that you will love … as a massage therapist or esthetician.

    Whether your dream is to work in a medical office, cruise ship, a resort spa, or a day spa or salon close to home, the education you receive at the Virginia School of Massage can help get you there. You can even start your own private practice!