Think you know the world of massage therapy? Prepare to have your assumptions massaged away by the surprising statistics behind this booming wellness profession, where over 130,000 dedicated practitioners are reshaping the industry.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, there were 132,500 massage therapists employed in the US, representing a 3.5% increase from 2022.
- 78% of massage therapists in the US are female as of 2023 survey data.
- The average age of practicing massage therapists in the US is 45 years old according to 2022 AMTA data.
- Nationally, massage therapists average 500-600 client sessions per year per therapist.
- 71% of clients seek massage for stress relief, top reason per 2023 AMTA survey.
- Average session length is 60 minutes, with 90% of appointments at that duration.
- The median annual wage for massage therapists was $49,860 in May 2023.
- Top 10% of massage therapists earn over $81,040 annually per BLS 2023.
- Average hourly wage is $24.97, ranging $15.50 to $40.50 nationally.
- Employment for massage therapists projected to grow 18% from 2022-2032.
- 18,200 new jobs expected by 2032, much faster than average.
- Aging population drives 20% demand increase per BLS projections.
- 85% of schools require 500 hours minimum for graduation.
- 45 states plus DC require licensure for massage therapists.
- NCBTMB certification held by 25,000 therapists nationally.
The massage therapy profession is growing, primarily female, and focused on urban spas.
Demographics and Employment
- In 2023, there were 132,500 massage therapists employed in the US, representing a 3.5% increase from 2022.
- 78% of massage therapists in the US are female as of 2023 survey data.
- The average age of practicing massage therapists in the US is 45 years old according to 2022 AMTA data.
- 65% of massage therapists work part-time, averaging 20 hours per week, per 2023 BLS Occupational Employment Statistics.
- In California, there are over 45,000 licensed massage therapists, the highest in any US state as of 2023.
- 42% of massage therapists are self-employed, forming the largest employment sector per AMTA 2023 fact sheet.
- Urban areas account for 68% of all massage therapist jobs in the US, based on 2022 BLS data.
- The massage therapy workforce grew by 18% between 2018 and 2023, outpacing national averages.
- 25% of massage therapists hold a bachelor's degree or higher, per 2023 AMTA consumer survey.
- Florida ranks second with 28,000 licensed massage therapists as of 2023 state records.
- 15% of massage therapists are over 55 years old, indicating an aging workforce per BLS 2023.
- Only 12% of massage therapists work in hospitals or medical settings, mostly in spas per AMTA.
- Texas has 22,500 licensed massage therapists, growing 5% yearly since 2020.
- 55% of massage therapists have 5-10 years of experience, per 2022 industry survey.
- New York state employs 18,000 massage therapists, with NYC accounting for 60% of them.
- 8% of the US massage therapist workforce is Hispanic or Latino, per BLS demographics.
- Illinois has 16,200 licensed massage therapists as of 2023 IDFPR data.
- 72% of massage therapists work in the private sector, primarily spas and salons.
- Washington state leads per capita with 1 massage therapist per 1,200 residents in 2023.
- 22% of massage therapists entered the field from healthcare backgrounds per AMTA survey.
- Pennsylvania reports 14,500 active massage therapists in 2023 state bureau stats.
- 35% of massage therapists are under 35 years old, showing workforce renewal.
- Oregon has one of the highest concentrations with 12,000 licensed therapists for 4.2M population.
- 6% of massage therapists are Asian American, per 2023 BLS occupational data.
- Michigan employs 11,800 massage therapists, up 4% from 2022.
- 48% of massage therapists own their own practice or work in solo settings.
- Nevada's Las Vegas area has 9,500 massage therapists due to tourism.
- 18% of the workforce has less than 2 years experience, high turnover noted.
- Georgia state has 10,200 licensed massage therapists as of 2023.
- 4% of massage therapists are Black or African American per BLS 2023.
Demographics and Employment Interpretation
The industry is growing steadily and remains overwhelmingly female, though it grapples with high part-time work, an aging core, and a persistent lack of racial diversity.
Education and Licensing
- 85% of schools require 500 hours minimum for graduation.
- 45 states plus DC require licensure for massage therapists.
- NCBTMB certification held by 25,000 therapists nationally.
- Average program length is 600-1,000 hours, 9-12 months full-time.
- 320 schools accredited by COMTA in 2023.
- National certification exam pass rate 75% first attempt.
- Continuing education: 12-24 hours required yearly in 80% of states.
- Cost of 500-hour program averages $15,000-$20,000.
- 90% of programs include anatomy, physiology, kinesiology.
- Florida requires 650 hours for licensure.
- Online hours limited to 100-200 max in most states.
- 65% of therapists graduate from approved schools.
- California CAMTC certification needs 500 hours.
- Ethics training mandatory in 95% of licensing boards.
- Texas requires 500 hours plus jurisprudence exam.
- 40% pursue advanced certifications like oncology massage.
- Renewal fees average $150-300 biennially.
- New York demands 1,000 hours for licensure.
- Background checks required in 30 states.
- 70% of curricula include business training modules.
- Illinois mandates 600 hours training.
- Exam fees $265 for MBLEx, taken by 90%.
- Washington CEUs 12 hours/year, audit 10% licensees.
Education and Licensing Interpretation
Despite the often relaxing nature of their work, becoming a massage therapist is a rigorous and heavily regulated affair, demanding hundreds of hours of study, significant financial investment, and a constant renewal of knowledge to navigate a patchwork of state laws that range from Florida's 650 hours to New York's daunting 1,000-hour marathon.
Industry Practices and Client Stats
- Nationally, massage therapists average 500-600 client sessions per year per therapist.
- 71% of clients seek massage for stress relief, top reason per 2023 AMTA survey.
- Average session length is 60 minutes, with 90% of appointments at that duration.
- Swedish massage accounts for 65% of all techniques used in US practices.
- 82% of clients return within 3 months for repeat sessions per client retention studies.
- Spas provide 40% of all massage services, hotels 15%, per IBISWorld 2023 report.
- Average client spends $75-100 per session, national average $89 in 2023.
- Deep tissue massage is second most popular at 28% of sessions.
- 55% of practices offer packages or memberships for client loyalty.
- Sports massage constitutes 12% of total services, rising with athlete demand.
- 67% of therapists use essential oils in 40% of their sessions.
- Chair massage makes up 8% of services, popular in corporate settings.
- Prenatal massage offered by 62% of therapists, 5% of total sessions.
- Hot stone therapy used in 22% of spa massages per 2023 surveys.
- 75% of clients are female, 25% male per AMTA client demographics.
- Lymphatic drainage performed in 10% of sessions for medical clients.
- Average practice has 3-5 therapists, 70% multi-therapist clinics.
- Trigger point therapy utilized in 35% of pain management sessions.
- 48% of clients book online, up from 30% pre-2020.
- Reflexology accounts for 7% of alternative modalities offered.
- Corporate wellness programs include massage for 25% of Fortune 500 firms.
- Shiatsu practiced by 18% of therapists, mostly in urban areas.
- Cancellation rates average 15%, no-show 5% per industry benchmarks.
- Medical massage reimbursed by insurance in 20% of cases nationally.
- Aromatherapy combined with massage in 45% of luxury spa services.
- Average annual client retention rate is 62% for established practices.
- Thai massage offered by 25% of therapists, growing 10% yearly.
- 60% of sessions are therapeutic, 40% relaxation-focused.
- Cupping therapy integrated in 15% of sessions post-2016 Olympics trend.
- Pediatric massage services provided by 30% of therapists.
- Online booking platforms used by 80% of practices in 2023.
Industry Practices and Client Stats Interpretation
The typical American massage therapist, a soothing Swedish specialist in a bustling multi-therapist clinic, eases the stress of predominantly female clients about 500 times a year, relying on $89, sixty-minute appointments booked online and repeated faithfully to create a stable practice where relaxation and therapy are almost equally weighted currencies.
Job Market and Projections
- Employment for massage therapists projected to grow 18% from 2022-2032.
- 18,200 new jobs expected by 2032, much faster than average.
- Aging population drives 20% demand increase per BLS projections.
- Spa industry growth at 2.5% CAGR to 2028, IBISWorld forecast.
- Wellness tourism to add 15,000 jobs by 2025, AMTA projection.
- Post-COVID recovery saw 12% job rebound 2021-2023.
- California to add 5,000 jobs by 2030, state labor forecast.
- Corporate wellness sector hiring up 25% since 2020.
- Florida openings average 2,500 yearly through 2032.
- Telehealth massage consultations emerging, 5% market by 2025.
- Sports therapy demand rising 22% with fitness boom.
- Rural areas see 10% slower growth than urban 2022-2032.
- Medical integration to create 4,000 clinical jobs by 2030.
- Texas projected 3,200 openings annually.
- E-commerce wellness products tie-in boosts therapist roles 8%.
- Nevada job growth 25% due to tourism recovery.
- Online certification programs increase entry-level supply 15%.
- Washington state forecasts 1,200 new jobs by 2030.
- Hotel spa expansions to hire 10% more by 2027.
- Chronic pain prevalence to drive 16% demand rise.
Job Market and Projections Interpretation
The demand for massage therapists is skyrocketing faster than a tight muscle can say "ouch," fueled by aging boomers, wellness trends, and a society that's finally realizing it's desperately knotted up.
Salary and Wages
- The median annual wage for massage therapists was $49,860 in May 2023.
- Top 10% of massage therapists earn over $81,040 annually per BLS 2023.
- Average hourly wage is $24.97, ranging $15.50 to $40.50 nationally.
- In California, average salary is $58,200, highest state per BLS.
- Self-employed therapists average $55,000 yearly after expenses, AMTA 2023.
- Washington state pays $27.85/hour average, second highest.
- Tips add 15-25% to base pay, averaging $5,000 extra yearly.
- New Jersey therapists earn $56,400 median annually.
- Spa-employed therapists earn 10% more than independent per AMTA.
- Bottom 10% earn under $30,100, often part-timers.
- Nevada average $54,900 due to tourism demand.
- Commission structures average 50-60% of session fees.
- Colorado hourly wage $26.40, high due to wellness culture.
- Benefits cover 40% of full-time therapists, mostly health insurance.
- Oregon median $52,800, strong per capita earnings.
- Urban areas pay 20% more than rural, NYC $65,000 avg.
- Florida average $46,500, lower due to saturation.
- Experienced therapists (10+ years) earn 30% more than novices.
- Connecticut $55,200 median, Northeast premium.
- Part-time earnings average $25,000 yearly nationally.
- Alaska highest hourly $28.60, remote demand.
- Certification boosts pay by 15%, NCBTMB data.
- Texas average $47,200, growing market.
- Medical setting pay $10/hour more than spas.
- Hawaii $60,400 highest state median.
Salary and Wages Interpretation
While the soothing hands of a massage therapist can earn a national median of nearly $50,000, their income is palpably kneaded by factors like location, specialization, and business savvy, stretching from the stiff shoulders of part-time under-earners to the limber, top-tier incomes of over $81,000 for those who truly work out the kinks in the system.
Sources & References
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