Massage Therapist

What Massage Therapists Do?
Massage therapists treat clients by using touch to manipulate the soft-tissue muscles of the body. With their touch, therapists relieve pain, rehabilitate injuries, reduce stress, increase relaxation, and aid in the general wellness of clients.


massage therapists relieve pain, reduce stress, unwind bound-up muscles, and just plain make people feel better. With more than 80 types of treatments, massage therapists have many different ways to deliver this relief. Massage therapists can specialize in deep-tissue, acupressure, reflexology, orthopedic, sports massage, and other areas. Often, massage therapists become experts in several modalities, all of which require specific skills and techniques. The length and type of massage provided typically depends on the client's condition and desires. Elderly clients and those recovering from a severe injury usually receive different treatments than elite athletes or those simply seeking relaxation. The nature of the massage is often discussed and agreed upon during a short interview with the client before it takes place. Massage therapists either work for an employer in a variety of environments including spas and hospitals or are self-employed with their own small business. Regardless of the working arrangement, massage therapists should be friendly and personable to attract a consistent client base.

An increasing number of spas and massage clinics in recent years underscores a growing demand for massage services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects massage therapist employment growth of 20.1 percent between 2010 and 2020, adding 30,900 more professionals to the 153,700 jobs currently in this field.


Work Environment
Massage therapists work in an array of settings, both private and public, such as private offices, spas, hospitals, fitness centers, and shopping malls. Some massage therapists also travel to clients’ homes or offices to provide a massage.

How to Become a Massage Therapist
Massage therapists typically complete a postsecondary education program that can require 500 hours or more of study and experience, although standards and requirements vary greatly by state and locality. Most states regulate massage therapy and require massage therapists to have a license or certificate.

Pay
The median annual wage of massage therapists was $34,900 in May 2010.

Job Outlook
Employment of massage therapists is expected to grow by 20 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Continued growth in the demand for massage services will lead to new openings for massage therapists.

Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of massage therapists with similar occupations.

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Contacts for More Information
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