Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Certified Massage Therapist (CMT)
- Licensed Massage Practitioner (LMP)
- Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)
- Massage Therapist
Alternate Job Titles
- Bodywork Therapist
- Certified Massage Therapist (CMT)
- Clinical Massage Therapist
- Deep Tissue Massage Therapist
- Integrated Deep Tissue Massage Therapist
- Licensed Massage Practitioner (LMP)
- Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)
- Massage Operator
- Massage Therapist
- Masseur
- Masseuse
- Massotherapist
- Mechanotherapist
- Medical Massage Therapist
- Registered Massage Therapist (RMT)
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Customer and Personal Service
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Active Listening
- Speaking
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Trunk Strength
- Dynamic Strength
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Manual Dexterity
- Problem Sensitivity
- Multilimb Coordination
- Extent Flexibility
- Selective Attention
- Stamina
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Empathy
- Cooperation
- Dependability
- Sincerity
- Social Orientation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Independence
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
On-the-Job Training: Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Bath robes
- Body lotions
- Bolsters
- Cold packs
- Cupping sets
- Desktop computers
- Heat lamps
- Hot packs
- Hydrotherapy equipment
- Massage chairs
- Massage stone sets
- Massage stools
- Mechanical vibrating massage devices
- Notebook computers
- Personal computers
Work Environment
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Contact With Others
- Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- Freedom to Make Decisions
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $33,280 |
| Median | $57,950 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $97,450 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 96,040
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Physical Therapist Assistants
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $65,510
Recreational Therapists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $60,280
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $68,340
Physical Therapist Aides
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $34,520
Skincare Specialists
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $41,560
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.