Massage Therapy Employment Statistics

According to the latest massage therapy statistics from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 116,000 massage therapists are at work in the United States. The report suggests that in actuality, the number is probably more than 200,000, although not all of these have earned massage certification. This is because for many practitioners, it is not a primary income source. Of these, 64 percent either have established their own businesses or offer their services as independent contractors. Larger cities, resort areas, and popular vacation destinations have the largest concentration of massage therapists.

This is a good time to embark on a massage career. Massage therapy salary statistics indicate that the rate of employment growth is faster than the average rate of growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has called job prospects “very good.” It predicts a 20 percent increase over the next ten years. This is cited as a result of the benefits of massage therapy becoming common knowledge among more and more Americans. In addition, the alternative and holistic approaches to illness and wellness are beginning to enter the mainstream. Some insurance companies consider some types of massages as supplemental to conventional Western medicine as well.

Seniors are another growth area indicated by massage therapy statistics. Older Americans have grown up with an awareness of alternatives to pain medications. Many are turning to massage to alleviate muscle ache, stress, and the symptoms of certain illnesses.

Nationally certified massage therapists currently have a greater number of opportunities, whether through employment offerings or a strong client base. Typical massages range in price from $50 to $75 per hour. At the high end, massage therapists charge $100 or more per hour. According to national massage therapy statistics, on average, massage therapists earn $42 per hour, an amount which includes tips of 10–20 percent. Working 15 hours per week will add $29,250 on average to a part-time massage therapist’s overall income. The top 10 percent of full-time massage therapists earn $66,323 or more annually.