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Healthcare Support

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Massage Therapists
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Median pay

$57,950
Median annual pay for Massage Therapists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

15.4%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

24,700
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

168,000
Estimated U.S. employment for Massage Therapists in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+25,900
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical education needed to enter Massage Therapists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Speaking
  3. 3Active Learning
  4. 4Critical Thinking
  5. 5Monitoring
  6. 6Reading Comprehension

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Customer and Personal Service
  2. 2Biology
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Psychology
  5. 5Medicine and Dentistry
  6. 6Public Safety and Security

Abilities

  1. 1Dynamic Strength
  2. 2Trunk Strength
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Oral Expression
  5. 5Manual Dexterity
  6. 6Multilimb Coordination

Career interests

  1. 1Social
  2. 2Realistic
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Conventional
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Enterprising

Work styles

  1. 1Empathy
  2. 2Cooperation
  3. 3Dependability
  4. 4Sincerity
  5. 5Social Orientation
  6. 6Optimism

Work activities

  1. 1Assisting and Caring for Others
  2. 2Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  3. 3Performing General Physical Activities
  4. 4Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  5. 5Getting Information
  6. 6Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Work context

  1. 1Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  2. 2Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  3. 3Contact With Others
  4. 4Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
  5. 5Freedom to Make Decisions
  6. 6Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

Representative tasks

  • 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.
  • Provide clients with guidance and information about techniques for postural improvement and stretching, strengthening, relaxation, and rehabilitative exercises.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyAppointmentQuest Online Appointment ManagerICS Software SammyUSALand Software Customer Pro-FileMassage SuiteScheduling softwareWinCity Custom Software WinCity Massage SOAP Notes

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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