Massage Therapist Educational Requirements and Career Success Tips

If you are interested in becoming a massage therapist, this post provides the educational requirements that you need to meet to be one, as well as tips on how to be successful in your career, and other relevant information to help improve your knowledge about the massage therapist job.

But first, let’s get to know who a massage therapist is.

Who is a Massage Therapist?

A massage therapist is a licensed health care provider who provides massage therapy services to clients in the comfort of their home or office.

They help their clients relax through touch.

The therapist uses various techniques, including Swedish, deep tissue, sports, reflexology, trigger point therapy, and more.

Why Choose Massage Therapy Career?

The career path for a massage therapist offers many benefits. Some of the reasons for considering this profession include:

High Demand

There are more than one million people practicing as massage therapists in the U.S. alone, which increases every year.

There is a high demand for massage therapists due to the aging population.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for massage therapists are expected to increase by 18% from 2023-2033.

Over the next decade, an average of 22,800 massage therapist job vacancies is expected each year.

2. Flexible Schedule

A typical day for a massage therapist includes working with clients at different times throughout the day.

The work schedule can be flexible since most massage therapists have appointments set up every week.

3. Great Income Potential

According to BLS, the average salary for a massage therapist is $48,710 per year. The median income for all occupations is $45,520.

4. Variety of Services Offered

Massage therapists offer a variety of treatments, including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Hot Stone, Reflexology, Trigger Point, Myofascial Release, Cranial Sacral, Pregnancy, Acupressure, Shiatsu, Rolfing, Lymph Drainage, and Postural Correction.

These treatments help improve overall well-being and promote healing.

5. Ability to Work From Home

Most massage therapists work from home. They use various modalities such as hot stone, reflexology, shiatsu, craniosacral, myofascial release, lymph drainage, and postural correction.

Many massage therapists also utilize biofeedback technology that helps them achieve better results.

Massage Therapy Educational Requirements

In order to become a qualified massage therapist, you must complete a minimum of 120 hours of coursework.

You may choose to obtain your degree through a traditional college program or online. Most schools offer both options.

Massage Therapy Continuing Education

Continuing education is important to stay current with new techniques and technologies.

It is recommended that massage therapists continue their education by taking courses offered by local colleges, universities, and professional organizations.

Massage Therapy Certification/License

Licensure varies depending on where you live. Licensed Massage Therapists are required to register with the state board of cosmetology.

Some states only require registration if you plan to perform massage therapy services. Check with your state board of cosmetologists for details.

Certification is an additional requirement in some states. Certified Massage Therapists must pass a national exam administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB).

To qualify for NCBTMB certification, you must earn a Bachelor’s degree in any field and then successfully complete 100 clock hours of continuing education within two years after graduation.

Massage Therapy Career Opportunities

Here are various areas you can work and grow your career as a massage therapist:

Hospitality/Tourism

This is one of the most rapidly expanding occupations in the United States. As the tourism industry grows, so does the need for massage therapists.

If you enjoy meeting new people and traveling, then this could be the perfect career path for you.

2. Healthcare

If you want to make a difference in someone’s life, then consider becoming a healthcare provider.

There will always be a need for medical professionals to provide care.

Massage therapists can assist patients who suffer from pain, stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and more.

3. Business

If you have entrepreneurial skills, then you could start your own business. This includes opening up your own spa, salon, or wellness center.

The demand for massage therapist has grown tremendously over the past few decades.

In fact, there are many businesses that specialize in providing massage therapy services.

4. Teaching

If you love helping others learn, teaching might be right for you. Consider working in an elementary school, high school, or university setting.

You can teach students about anatomy, physiology, health, nutrition, exercise, and much more.

5. Research

Researching how different types of massage affect certain conditions can help improve treatment methods.

A research position at a hospital or university would allow you to conduct studies on various topics related to massage.

6. Sports

Massage therapists are often hired by athletic teams to treat players before and after games. They also work with athletes during training sessions.

Other fields that a massage therapist can work include:

Military
Entertainment
Travel

How to Advance your Massage Therapy Career

Here are some tips to help you advance your massage therapy career:

Take advantage of opportunities as they come along.

When you see an opportunity to further your massage therapy career, take it!

Don’t wait until you’ve received a job offer before applying. Apply when you feel like it. It may not be long term, but at least you tried.

2. Network.

When looking for a new career, networking is essential. Make sure to network with friends, family members, and colleagues.

Ask them if they know anyone who works in the field.

3. Be willing to try something new.

There are several ways you can be effective in your job and become a successful massage therapist.

Some of the best massage therapy schools require their graduates to do volunteer work.

Volunteer work allows you to gain experience while giving back to the community.

4. Get certified.

Certification is another great way to increase your chances of getting a promotion. Many businesses appreciate people who have obtained certifications

5. Stay current.

Keep up-to-date on all things massage therapy. Read books, magazines, journals, and blogs.

Attend conferences and workshops. Find out what’s going on in the field today.

How to Find a Good School for Massage Therapy Education

Follow these steps to find a good school for massage therapy training and education:

Check online reviews.

Review websites such as Yelp, Google+, and Angie’s List can give you some insight into the quality of a particular school for message therapy training.

Look for reviews written by people who attended the school.

2. Contact the school directly.

Contact the school to ask questions about the program. Is it accredited for massage therapy education? What type of curriculum does it use? Does the school offer internships? Can you receive hands-on training?

3. Visit the campus.

Visit the campus to meet the instructors and other students. Do they look happy? Are they dressed professionally? Do they seem interested in teaching?

4. Meet with the admissions counselor.

Meet with the admissions counselor to discuss admission requirements. What kind of background will I need?

How many hours of coursework must I complete? Will I have access to clinical rotations?

5. Talk to alumni.

Talk to former students to get information about the school. Did they enjoy their time there?

Were they satisfied with their education?

How to be Successful in your Massage Therapy Career

To be successful in your job and career as a massage therapist, here are some tips to apply:

Be honest.

Be honest with yourself and others. You don’t want to lie or cheat. When someone asks you how much money you made last year, tell them the truth.

2. Be punctual.

Be on time for appointments and classes. This shows respect for your client and instructors.

3. Be professional.

Dress appropriately for your profession. Wear clean clothes and shoes. Keep your hair neat and tidy. Don’t wear perfume or cologne.

4. Be patient.

Patience is an essential skill for any therapist. It takes time to perfect your massage therapy skills.

Your clients may not always like what you do. They may even dislike you at times. But keep working hard and eventually they will appreciate you.

5. Be flexible.

Be open to change. A new client may come in looking for something completely different than what you normally provide. Ask if he or she has any special needs.

Qualities of a Good Massage Therapy

Here are some characteristics of an excellent massage therapist you may want to imbibe:

Knowledgeable.

The best therapists know all aspects of their field. They know anatomy, physiology, and psychology. They also understand the effects of stress on the body.

2. Professional.

They dress well and act respectfully. They listen carefully to their clients and respond accordingly. They treat every individual with decency and respect.

3. Patient.

They work slowly and patiently, taking the time to address issues that arise during the session. They never rush a client.

4. Honest.

They are truthful and straightforward with their clients. They explain clearly what they intend to do and why. They answer honestly when asked about fees.

5. Responsive.

They are responsive to their clients. They ask questions and pay attention to their concerns. They take action when necessary.

Massage Therapy Salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in its May, 2023 report gave the average salary of a massage therapist in the United States to be $55,310.

However, Glassdoor gives the salary as $142K/yr, according to its June, 2024 report while Salary.com’s report of February 2025 gives $59,082 per year.

Conclusion

Massage therapy is one of the most popular health care professions today. It combines science, art, and human touch.

If you have a passion for helping others, then this is a great career choice for you!

This post has provided detailed information about the massage therapist job and career, including the educational requirements you need to fulfill to become a message therapist, the fields you can work, and how to be successful in your career.