Massage therapy is a well-known and popular alternative medicine that has been around for centuries. It involves manipulating muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues to relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve overall health and wellness.
If you’re considering a career in massage therapy, one of the first questions you may have is how much do massage therapists make? In this article, we’ll provide an overview of what you can expect to make as a massage therapist.
How Much Does a Massage Therapist Earn?
Are you considering a career in massage therapy? It’s an incredibly fulfilling way to help people and positively impact their lives. Not only is it personally rewarding to see your clients feeling better, but it can also be financially rewarding. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for massage therapists in 2022 was $49,860. Plus, the top 10% of earners in the industry made over $90,000, so there’s definitely potential to earn a great living doing something you love.
However, your income varies depending on where you practice, so here is a breakdown of how much massage therapists make by state.
Massage Therapist Salaries by State
Massage therapists in New Jersey, Wyoming, and Wisconsin enjoy some of the highest average salaries in the United States. New Jersey leads the pack at $76,199 annually, followed closely by Wyoming at $75,647 and Wisconsin at $74,650. These states offer lucrative opportunities for massage therapists seeking competitive compensation and a stable career path.
Conversely, Florida, Arkansas, and West Virginia represent the lower end of the spectrum, with average annual salaries ranging from $58,122 in Florida to $49,974 in West Virginia. Here’s the list of how much do massage therapists make in every US state:
New Jersey $76,199
Wyoming $75,647
Wisconsin $74,650
Washington $74,463
Massachusetts $74,129
Indiana $74,015
Alaska $74,012
Oregon $73,480
North Dakota $73,329
Arizona $72,485
Hawaii $71,896
New Mexico $71,765
Montana $71,393
Minnesota $71,167
Colorado $70,734
New York $70,628
Alabama $70,501
Nevada $69,980
Ohio $69,448
South Dakota $69,304
Vermont $68,786
Rhode Island $68,061
Iowa $67,422
Connecticut $67,113
Delaware $66,938
Tennessee $66,307
Virginia $66,150
Mississippi $66,131
Utah $65,920
Georgia $65,676
Illinois $65,337
Maryland $64,872
Pennsylvania $64,707
California $64,555
Nebraska $63,617
Maine $63,203
Missouri $62,880
New Hampshire $62,843
South Carolina $62,267
Kansas $62,246
Louisiana $62,133
Idaho $61,640
Oklahoma $61,608
Texas $61,120
North Carolina $60,982
Kentucky $58,764
Michigan $58,596
Florida $58,122
Arkansas $55,754
West Virginia $49,974
Massage Therapy Career Benefits
Massage therapy can be an incredibly rewarding career for those who enjoy working with people and are passionate about helping others. Apart from the financial benefits, there are many other reasons why people choose to become massage therapists. Here are some of them:
1. Growing Job Opportunities: Massage therapy has become more and more important as an offering in health and wellness and the American Massage Therapy Association estimates that there are between 300,000 and 350,000 massage therapists in the United States and that number continues to grow.
2. Versatility: There is not just one single kind of massage therapy. There are a number of choices that therapists can make when they are pursuing their training, including deciding on which type of holistic therapy they would like to focus on.
3. Flexibility: Working as a massage therapist offers a lot of flexibility in terms of work hours, autonomy and types of spaces where people can practice. Some people work at spas or in clinics while others own their own private practice.
Some travel to patient’s homes for treatment while others work out of an office. Depending on your work arrangement, you can often enjoy more flexible scheduling than other types of jobs. Solo practitioners account for the largest amount, 67 percent, of practicing therapists.
4. Valuable Training: In order to become a massage therapist, you have to complete a training program that qualifies you to practice in the location you choose. This program is a valuable asset because you will be certified as a massage therapist, a skill that you will have your whole life.
5. Rewarding Work: Working as a massage therapist means using your hands, talent and interpersonal skills to help improve people’s lives. Your patients get to benefit from your direct impact on their health and wellness and you can feel great about going to work each day because you get to make people feel good. You can also help others overcome injuries and take care of painful or uncomfortable symptoms, reduce stress and improve their overall wellbeing.
6. Quick Start to a Career: Unlike some professions which require extensive classroom time and training, you can establish a new career in massage therapy in just two years. If you’re working in a job or career that doesn’t feel right for you or are just starting out in your professional life, it’s a great way to get your new life course on track quickly.
7. Staying Healthy: Massage therapy is a career focused on health to it makes sense that it would help keep you healthy too! Instead of having to sit at a desk all day, massage engages your whole body and keeps you active while you’re working. It’s easy to stay in great shape and helping others with their health contributes to your own overall wellbeing. It’s a great career for someone who is interested in fitness and health.
The Bottom Line
If you are passionate about helping others and enjoy working with people, then a career in massage therapy could be an excellent choice for you. On average, a massage therapist can earn a decent income while enjoying a fulfilling career. In addition to financial benefits, becoming a massage therapist can also provide opportunities for personal and professional growth.
If you want to embark upon a happy, lucrative, and fruitful career path, earning a degree in massage therapy might be the right direction for you! Discover the Healing Power Within You! Enroll in the University of Potomac’s Massage Therapy Program today and embark on a journey toward a fulfilling career in holistic wellness.
FAQs
What is the average salary for a massage therapist?
The average salary for a massage therapist varies depending on location, experience, and specialization. However, as of recent data, in the United States, the annual average wage is $49,860 per year.
Do massage therapists earn more in certain locations?
Yes, the earning potential for massage therapists can differ significantly based on geographic location. For example, massage therapists in states like New Jersey, Wyoming and Wisconsin earn more than those in other states.
What factors can influence a massage therapist’s earnings?
Several factors can impact a massage therapist’s earnings, including:
- Experience
- Specialization
- Employment setting
- Clientele
How can massage therapists increase their income?
There are several ways massage therapists can increase their income, including:
- Continuing education
- Building a client base
- Offering additional services
- Networking
Are there opportunities for massage therapists to earn additional income beyond traditional massage sessions?
Yes, there are various ways massage therapists can supplement their income, including:
- Teaching: Instructing massage therapy classes or workshops.
- Retail sales: Selling massage oils, lotions, or related products.
- Online courses or consultations: Offering virtual sessions or courses on wellness, self-care, or massage techniques.
- Mobile services: On-site massage services for events, corporate clients, or private parties.