Massage Therapists: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Massage Therapists fall under the Healthcare Support category in the U.S. occupational classification. Massage Therapists earn a median salary of $57,950 per year, ranking in the top 53% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +15.4% job growth through 2034, projected to grow far faster than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires an associate degree or accredited postsecondary certificate, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do massage therapists earn?

The median annual wage for massage therapists is $57,950. That puts massage therapists at #427 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is massage therapists a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for massage therapists is +15.4%, projected to grow far faster than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 168K positions in 2024 to 193K in 2034, a net change of 25K. Very fast growth indicates significant talent shortages and unusually strong hiring momentum — often the most resilient outlook a teenager can plan toward.

What do massage therapists do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working massage therapists, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Apply finger and hand pressure to specific points of the body.
2. 2.Develop and propose client treatment plans that specify which types of massage are to be used.
3. 3.Maintain treatment records.
4. 4.Prepare and blend oils and apply the blends to clients' skin.
5. 5.Confer with clients about their medical histories and problems with stress or pain to determine how massage will be most helpful.
6. 6.Massage and knead muscles and soft tissues of the body to provide treatment for medical conditions, injuries, or wellness maintenance.
7. 7.Maintain massage areas by restocking supplies or sanitizing equipment.
8. 8.Treat clients in professional settings or travel to clients' offices and homes.

Top skills for massage therapists

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become massage therapist?

Entry into massage therapists typically requires an associate degree or accredited postsecondary certificate, often coupled with state licensing exams or clinical hours. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Occupational Therapy Assistants
  $68,340 median
• Physical Therapist Assistants
  $65,510 median
• Dental Assistants
  $47,300 median
• Medical Equipment Preparers
  $46,490 median
• Healthcare Support Workers, All Other
  $46,050 median
• Medical Assistants
  $44,200 median

Common questions parents ask about massage therapists