Occupation · SOC 31-9011
Massage Therapists
Perform therapeutic massages of soft tissues and joints. May assist in the assessment of range of motion and muscle strength, or propose client therapy plans.
Median wage
$57,950
$33,280–$97,450
Projected growth
+15.4%
Faster than average
Annual openings
2,590
per year
Employed (US)
96,040
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
72 mapped
Core skills
Active ListeningSpeakingSocial PerceptivenessService OrientationJudgment and Decision MakingMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingWriting
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceBiologyEnglish LanguagePsychologyMedicine and Dentistry
Technology & tools
Calendar and scheduling softwareMedical softwareSpreadsheet softwareWord processing software
Representative tasks
Confer with clients about their medical histories and problems with stress or pain to determine how massage will be most helpful.Massage and knead muscles and soft tissues of the body to provide treatment for medical conditions, injuries, or wellness maintenance.Maintain massage areas by restocking supplies or sanitizing equipment.Apply finger and hand pressure to specific points of the body.Develop and propose client treatment plans that specify which types of massage are to be used.Maintain treatment records.Assess clients' soft tissue condition, joint quality and function, muscle strength, and range of motion.Provide clients with guidance and information about techniques for postural improvement and stretching, strengthening, relaxation, and rehabilitative exercises.Treat clients in professional settings or travel to clients' offices and homes.Refer clients to other types of therapists when necessary.Prepare and blend oils and apply the blends to clients' skin.Consult with other health care professionals, such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, physicians, and psychologists, to develop treatment plans for clients.Perform other adjunctive therapies or treatment techniques in addition to massage.Use complementary aids, such as infrared lamps, wet compresses, ice, and whirlpool baths to promote clients' recovery, relaxation, and well-being.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Client intake forms and medical history questionnaires — collect and review under direct supervision to identify contraindications before a session begins.Basic massage strokes including effleurage and petrissage — apply to muscles and soft tissues of the body following step-by-step guidance from a supervising therapist.Massage table linens, lubricants, and sanitation supplies — restock and sanitize equipment between client sessions according to facility hygiene protocols.Finger and hand pressure techniques — practice on designated acupressure points under direct instructor observation in a clinical training environment.Pre-written treatment plan templates — complete with client-specific information under supervisor review before presenting options to the client.Client session records including date, duration, and techniques used — document accurately in paper or electronic logs following established clinic procedures.Basic soft tissue palpation — perform to identify areas of tension or tenderness under the guidance of a licensed therapist during supervised sessions.Postural awareness handouts and simple stretching instructions — distribute and explain to clients using scripted talking points provided by the clinic.Scheduling software — enter and manage client appointments under supervision to support daily clinic operations.Active listening skills — demonstrate during client consultations to capture reported pain, stress, and wellness concerns before relaying findings to a supervising therapist.
developing
Client medical histories and stress or pain concerns — assess independently during intake consultations to determine appropriate massage modalities with minimal oversight.Swedish, deep tissue, and trigger-point massage techniques — apply routinely to muscles and soft tissues across a standard caseload to address common injuries and wellness goals.Treatment room sanitation schedules and supply inventory — manage consistently throughout the workday to maintain a safe and professional clinical environment.Sustained finger and hand pressure — deliver accurately to specific body points during myofascial and acupressure sessions for a diverse client population.Individualized treatment plans — develop and propose to clients that specify modality selection, session frequency, and duration based on assessed conditions.Electronic medical records and session notes — maintain with regularity and accuracy using clinic software to support continuity of care across multiple visits.Soft tissue condition, joint mobility, muscle strength, and range of motion — assess through structured palpation and movement screening during initial and follow-up evaluations.Rehabilitative exercises, stretching routines, and relaxation techniques — explain and demonstrate to clients during and after sessions to reinforce at-home self-care.Judgment and critical thinking — apply when modifying pressure and technique mid-session in response to client feedback and observed tissue response.Word processing and spreadsheet software — use to track client progress notes and generate basic reports supporting clinic documentation requirements.
proficient
Complex client histories involving chronic pain, injury rehabilitation, or comorbid conditions — evaluate autonomously during intake to design safe, targeted massage programs.Advanced massage modalities including neuromuscular therapy, sports massage, and lymphatic drainage — execute across the full scope of practice without supervision to address non-routine clinical presentations.Multi-session treatment plans for clients with long-term conditions — develop, document, and revise based on ongoing assessment findings and measurable client outcomes.Fine motor control and arm-hand steadiness — sustain throughout extended back-to-back client sessions to maintain consistent therapeutic pressure and technique quality.Comprehensive soft tissue, joint function, muscle strength, and range-of-motion assessments — conduct and interpret to guide clinical decision-making for complex or post-surgical clients.Postural correction, strengthening, and rehabilitative exercise programs — design and communicate as integrated components of a client's overall therapeutic plan.Contraindications and safety considerations — identify and respond to proactively during sessions, adjusting or terminating treatment to protect client welfare.Electronic health record systems and scheduling platforms — utilize proficiently to manage a full client caseload, ensuring accurate documentation and seamless appointment coordination.Active learning and reading comprehension — apply to current clinical research and continuing-education resources to integrate evidence-based techniques into routine practice.Client-centered communication — employ empathically during consultations and progress reviews to build therapeutic rapport and support treatment adherence across diverse populations.
advanced
Clinic-wide treatment protocols and quality standards — establish and continuously refine to elevate the level of care delivered across all therapists in the practice.Mentorship and skills development programs — design and lead for emerging and developing therapists to accelerate competency growth and reduce supervised learning time.Organizational service offerings and specialty modality mix — evaluate and expand based on client population data, market trends, and evidence-based practice guidelines.Complex interdisciplinary cases involving physician referrals, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers — coordinate and lead treatment planning to ensure integrated client outcomes.Practice-wide documentation systems, medical software configurations, and scheduling workflows — oversee and optimize to improve operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.Staff performance reviews and continuing-education requirements — conduct and administer systematically to maintain licensure standards and advance team-wide professional development.Client retention strategies and service-orientation initiatives — develop and implement at an organizational level to build a loyal, health-outcome-focused client base.Public safety, infection control, and workplace ergonomics policies — author and enforce across the facility to protect both clients and practitioners from occupational hazards.Strategic growth plans for new service lines, community wellness programs, or satellite locations — present and execute using market analysis and financial projections aligned with organizational goals.Professional-community engagement including speaking, writing, and collaboration with healthcare networks — lead to advance the credibility and visibility of the practice and the profession at large.
Also known as
35 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
MechanotherapistSoft Tissue SpecialistSpa Massage TherapistPhysical Therapy Technician (Navy L20A)Registered Massage Therapist (RMT)Physical Therapy Technician (Navy 001344)Integrated Deep Tissue Massage TherapistMasseuseCertified Massage Therapist (CMT)Medical Specialist Corps Officer (Army 65)Physical Therapist (Navy 0873)Skin TherapistPhysical Therapist, Special Warfare (Air Force 42B3Z)Physical Therapy Specialist (Army 68F)Massage TherapistPhysical Therapist (Air Force 42B1)Medical Massage TherapistClinical Massage TherapistPhysical Therapist (Air Force 42BX)Swedish MasseuseMassage OperatorDeep Tissue Massage TherapistRolferPhysical Therapy (Army 65B)MasseurTherapeutic Massage TechnicianPhysical Therapist, Special Warfare (Air Force 42B4Z)Masseur/MasseusePhysical Therapist (Air Force 42B3)Licensed Massage Practitioner (LMP)Physical Therapist, Special Warfare (Air Force 42B1Z)Physical Therapist (Air Force 42B4)Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)Bodywork TherapistMassotherapist