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Massage Therapist

Operational-level

Also known as: Bodywork Therapist, Certified Massage Therapist (CMT), Clinical Massage Therapist, Deep Tissue Massage Therapist

Medical & WelfareBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Massage Therapist, you perform therapeutic massages on soft tissues and joints, helping clients with relaxation or to relieve pain. You'll often discuss client needs, assess their range of motion, and propose therapy plans tailored to them. You work indoors in a controlled environment, often making repetitive motions while standing. This role suits individuals who enjoy helping others and value the freedom to make decisions about their work.
Massage TherapyManual TherapyKinesiologyRehabilitationHealthcareWellnessAllied HealthPatient CareMedical Support

A Day in the Life

You arrive at "The Healing Touch Wellness Center" in downtown Portland, the soft hum of the air purifier already signaling a calm environment. You head to your private treatment room, adjusting the hydraulic massage table to your preferred height, laying out fresh bamboo linens, and arranging your selection of unscented lotions and essential oils. Checking the digital schedule on the clinic's tablet, you review your client bookings, mentally outlining potential approaches for each.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Word

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Bright Outlook

O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: grows rapidly over the next decade.

Projected growth

+15.3%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

20,400

per year (US)

Jobs today

155,400

in 2025 → 179,100 (2035)

Typical entry education

Postsecondary nondegree award

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
Moderate
Working in a team
Moderate
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
Moderate
Time spent sitting
Low
Working outdoors
Low
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
Moderate
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Growing Job Market

The outlook for Massage Therapists is strong, with rapid employment growth projected by 15.3% through 2035, leading to about 20,400 job openings each year. The median annual wage for this role is about $58,450. This growing field offers opportunities to advance by gaining experience, specializing in different massage techniques, or taking on supervisory roles.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Spa Assistant
  • Wellness Center Receptionist

Where it can lead

  • Lead Massage Therapist
  • Spa or Wellness Center Director
  • Massage Therapy Instructor

Impact of AI on this Job

AI's direct impact on the hands-on aspect of massage therapy is limited, as the human touch and intuitive understanding remain central. However, AI can enhance administrative tasks such as scheduling, client management, and personalized treatment planning based on data analysis. This allows therapists to focus more on providing direct, empathetic care and refine their techniques.

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Salary

$58,450

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

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