Thinking about a career in massage therapy? You’re not alone. This field is booming, and for good reason. 

Massage therapists enjoy flexible schedules, fulfilling work, and the chance to make real connections with clients. You can’t beat that! But how much do massage therapists make?

Here’s a guide to all the job market insights you need to know, plus ways to maximize your earning potential. And if you’re ready to start practicing, learn how GlossGenius can elevate your massage therapy business game.

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An Overview of the Massage Therapist Job Market

The massage therapy industry is thriving, and the stats prove it. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an 18% increase in demand for massage therapists over the next decade, outpacing most other professions. This field is practically rolling out the red carpet for anyone ready to step in – so becoming a massage therapist is a smart career move.

Why the hype? For starters, the overall wellness market is flourishing. People are prioritizing their health like never before, and they’re realizing the value of a good massage. Massages aren’t just for indulgent spa days anymore. They’re a legit way to tackle stress, manage pain, and boost overall wellness. 

For this reason, massage therapists are shining in the healthcare industry, and holistic wellness centers – which often staff chiropractors and other practitioners– are popping up everywhere. massage therapists are also in high demand in the sports world, since studies show that massage promotes athletic performance. The truth is that everyone can benefit from massage therapy. 

All in all, it’s a great time to start working as a massage therapist. Whether you want to open up your own business or join a thriving massage franchise, the opportunities in this industry are practically endless.

3 Benefits of Being a Massage Therapist

A career in massage therapy comes with perks that go beyond the paycheck. Here’s why so many people find it rewarding:

1. Flexibility: In many cases, you can set your schedule and choose how much you want to work. Whether you’re aiming for part-time or full-time employment, massage therapy offers unparalleled work-life balance.
2. Job satisfaction: Most massage therapists are thrilled with their choice of career. Surveys show that about 90% are “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their jobs, even though it can be challenging at times.
3. Making a difference: Massage therapy has a profound impact on clients’ physical health and even their emotional well-being. Helping clients feel better is incredibly fulfilling.

Average Massage Therapist Salary

Massage therapy can be as lucrative as it is rewarding. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for massage therapists in 2023 was over $55,000. In terms of hourly wage, that’s around $26 per hour. Not too shabby! 

If you’re just starting out from massage school, you might expect to bring in something closer to $32,000 per year, depending on factors like your location and workplace. But with experience and advanced certifications, your income can increase dramatically. The top earners in this industry make over $95,000 every year. And with demand rising so quickly, there’s no ceiling to what you can achieve.

5 Factors That Affect a Massage Therapist’s Salary

Several factors can influence how much you’ll earn. Let’s take a look at some of the most important:

1. Location

Where you live and work plays a massive role in your earnings. As a rule, states with high living costs offer higher wages, while less expensive areas may pay less. According to Indeed, the top-paying states for massage therapists include New York and Colorado.

Disclaimer: These are screenshots as of the time this article was written and may fluctuate.

Another factor to consider is whether you work in an urban or rural area. If your spa is in the middle of a bustling metropolitan city, you’ll probably bring in more clients, receive higher tips, and charge premium rates. As a result, these areas have better earning potential than rural areas, where fewer clients and lower rates might result in a less consistent income.

2. Experience level

As with most careers, the more experience you have, the more you can earn. Entry-level massage therapists typically start with lower pay, but your salary can skyrocket as you build up your client base and gain more expertise. Your income potential expands as your practice grows and you become known for your exceptional skills.

Experienced workers who have honed their skills can command higher rates and access more lucrative opportunities, especially in specialized fields like sports or medical massage. For example, as you gain recognition and credibility, you might take high-paying clients like elite athletes or work in high-end wellness clinics.

3. Type of services offered

Another factor that influences your earnings as a licensed massage therapist is the type of services you offer. You can charge higher rates if you have specialized certifications, like in prenatal or neuromuscular therapy. Clients are often willing to pay a premium for targeted treatments that require expertise and advanced training.

One of the highest-paying services is sports massage. The average salary for sports massage therapists is around $66,138, but many make over $100,000 annually. Another lucrative specialization is chair massage, which often takes place in corporate environments or at events with wealthy professionals. The average chair salary is around $85,000 per year and some top earners make upwards of $120,000.

4. Educational background

Want to increase your salary? Get some additional education and certifications. A basic massage therapy license is a good starting place because in most areas, you need one anyway. But pursuing advanced training helps you develop your talents and boosts your credibility so you can charge higher rates. 

Many clients and employers are willing to pay more for massage therapists who invest in their professional growth, so make sure you advertise your massage expertise. Whether you’re posting inspirational massage quotes on social media or undertaking a targeted marketing campaign, highlight the specialties that make you, well, special.

5. Employer and workplace

Finally, the type of employer you work for can make a significant difference in your paycheck. Working for a spa or medical facility usually provides stable pay and benefits. On the other hand, if you’re self-employed, you may have the potential to earn more because you set your own rates. But you also face the challenges of managing your own business, and your salary may be more inconsistent.

Private practices, mobile massage services, and luxury resorts often pay the highest rates, especially if you build a strong reputation or have a loyal clientele. Employers in the medical field, such as chiropractors or physical therapists, can also pay higher wages since they offer more specialized services.

Additional Income Opportunities

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Looking to supplement your income as a massage therapist? Here are two opportunities for making extra cash that are too good to pass up:

Teaching yoga or meditation

As a massage therapist, you have a natural passion for wellness. Why not round that out by promoting health in a different way, such as by teaching yoga or meditation? Clients who come in for massage treatments may be interested in adding a holistic lifestyle approach to their self-care routine, and you can guide them in building that.

To become a yoga instructor or meditation teacher, you’ll need some extra training and certifications. But these investments can translate into additional revenue, allowing you to offer your clients more. You might be able to turn your practice into a unique wellness business that increases your earnings while helping your clients lead healthier, more balanced lives.

Selling wellness products

Your clients already trust you to improve their well-being, so why not expand on that to offer products that complement their treatment? Think essential oils, massage lotions, or even health supplements – items that enhance your clients’ experiences and help you bring in recurring revenue.

You can sell products directly in your practice, on your website, or even during sessions. It’s a convenient way for clients to boost their wellness routines while you boost your earnings. By aligning with trusted brands and offering quality products, you can help clients continue their self-care at home and keep coming back to you for more.

Grow Your Massage Therapist Career with GlossGenius

Increasing your income as a massage therapist is about working smarter, not harder. GlossGenius helps you do just that. 

With tools like Online Booking, Marketing, and Client Management, you can streamline your operations and bring in more clients. Plus, GlossGenius’ Reports and Analytics feature helps you make data-driven decisions to grow your business.

Feel as good as your clients do. Start your free trial today.