Massage Therapist Salary 2025: $58,450 Median Pay, Fast Growth Ahead
Massage therapists in the U.S. earn a median annual salary of $58,450 as of May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean wage is $63,830, or roughly $28 an hour. Pay ranges widely: the lowest 10% make about $33,640, while the top 10% earn over $100,200.
How much Massage Therapists earn
The median salary for massage therapists is $58,450, meaning half earn more and half less. The average (mean) hourly wage is $30.69, but many therapists work part-time or on commission, so actual yearly earnings can vary. The lowest-paid 10% earn $33,640 or less, while the top 10% break $100,200. Experience, location, and specialization—like sports or medical massage—drive higher pay.
Employers range from spas and hotels to chiropractic offices and hospitals. Self-employed therapists often earn more per session but must cover overhead. Overall, the field offers solid earning potential for a health-support career.
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot for massage therapist pay. Alaska tops the list with an average annual wage of $134,930—more than double the national average. Washington ($87,360), Oregon ($86,970), Hawaii ($81,280), and New Hampshire ($80,360) also pay well.
At the other end, New Mexico ($37,840), Oklahoma ($36,630), and Louisiana ($36,480) have the lowest average wages. Generally, states with higher costs of living or strong tourism and wellness industries offer better pay.
How to become Massage Therapist
Becoming a massage therapist requires completing a postsecondary education program in massage therapy, typically lasting 6 to 12 months. Most states regulate the profession: you’ll need a license or certification. The common path is:
- Graduate from an accredited massage therapy program (500-1,000 hours of training).
- Pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) or a state-specific exam.
- Obtain a state license (required in 49 states; local regulations vary).
- Consider continuing education in specialized techniques to boost earning potential.
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for massage therapists to grow 15.4% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 24,700 openings each year, mostly from workers leaving the field or retiring. Demand is driven by a growing interest in wellness, pain management, and preventive care. Current employment stands at nearly 98,800.
Frequently asked questions
Do massage therapists make good money?
The median salary is $58,450, which is above the national median for all occupations. Top earners make over $100,200, especially in high-paying states like Alaska.
How long does it take to become a licensed massage therapist?
Most programs take 6 to 12 months to complete. After that, you must pass a licensing exam and obtain state licensure.
Is there high demand for massage therapists?
Yes. The BLS projects 15.4% growth from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average, with about 24,700 job openings each year.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Massage Therapists data.