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
SpeakingActive ListeningSocial PerceptivenessService OrientationJudgment and Decision MakingWritingReading ComprehensionMonitoringCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningTime ManagementLearning StrategiesCoordinationSystems EvaluationInstructingSystems AnalysisPersuasionNegotiationMathematicsTechnology DesignScienceQuality Control AnalysisManagement of Personnel ResourcesOperations AnalysisManagement of Material ResourcesTroubleshootingOperations MonitoringManagement of Financial ResourcesRepairingProgrammingOperation and ControlInstallationEquipment SelectionEquipment Maintenance
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageBiologyPsychologyMedicine and DentistrySales and MarketingPublic Safety and SecurityAdministration and ManagementEducation and TrainingAdministrativeLaw and GovernmentTherapy and CounselingEconomics and AccountingSociology and AnthropologyCommunications and MediaPhilosophy and TheologyPersonnel and Human ResourcesComputers and ElectronicsMathematicsPhysicsChemistryTelecommunicationsEngineering and TechnologyForeign LanguageMechanicalDesignHistory and ArcheologyProduction and ProcessingTransportationBuilding and ConstructionGeographyFine ArtsFood Production
Technology & tools
AppointmentQuest Online Appointment ManagerICS Software SammyUSALand Software Customer Pro-FileMassage SuiteMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft WordScheduling softwareSpreadsheet softwareWinCity Custom Software WinCity Massage SOAP NotesWord processing software
Representative tasks
Assisting and Caring for OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicPerforming General Physical ActivitiesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsGetting InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsDocumenting/Recording InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleHandling and Moving ObjectsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming Administrative ActivitiesMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesThinking CreativelyInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersScheduling Work and ActivitiesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersProcessing InformationTraining and Teaching OthersAnalyzing Data or InformationInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsDeveloping and Building TeamsCoaching and Developing OthersWorking with ComputersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationSelling or Influencing OthersStaffing Organizational UnitsControlling Machines and ProcessesRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
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
21 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Bodywork TherapistCertified Massage Therapist (CMT)Clinical Massage TherapistDeep Tissue Massage TherapistIntegrated Deep Tissue Massage TherapistLicensed Massage Practitioner (LMP)Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)Massage OperatorMassage TherapistMasseurMasseuseMassotherapistMechanotherapistMedical Massage TherapistRegistered Massage Therapist (RMT)RolferSkin TherapistSoft Tissue SpecialistSpa Massage TherapistSwedish MasseuseTherapeutic Massage Technician