Massage Therapist Salaries

Massage is a rapidly growing industry that offers a wide range of opportunities. However, estimating the salary of massage therapists is difficult, as many work part time and pay varies considerably between jobs.

However, there are a few resources listing massage therapist salaries, and looking at what’s available may help you in determining what type of income you could make as a massage therapist:

Corporate massage therapists earn salaries averaging $44K/yr with most earning a salary between $36K and $55K per Salary.com.

However, most massage therapists do not work exclusively as the employee of one company. Many work part-time and may have multiple employers as well as their own clients. Here it becomes harder to understand what people make, especially if you factor in tips.

Massage therapists who own their own business and see a steady stream of customers can make well over $100,000 per year. If they do this through their business, they can even set-up benefits packages for themselves to reduce taxes. Popular practices can charge $100+/hr with limited overhead if they share space or build up an outcall practice.

Most massage therapists, however, work on a per-hour basis, although many do not receive benefits due to about 2/3 classified as independent contractors or self-employed. Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition): “Median wage and salary hourly earnings of massage therapists, including gratuities, were $16.06 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $10.98 and $24.22. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $7.48, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $33.83. Generally, massage therapists earn 15 to 20 percent of their income as gratuities. For those who work in a hospital or other clinical setting, however, tipping is not common.”

The ABMP cites lower earnings for massage therapists from its annual survey of members. They averaged 14 contact hours per week and averaged $20,300 in income. 60% reported receiving income from other sources. Those in their initial year or two of practice earn substantially less.

ABMP also reported that 71% of massage therapists were looking for new clients and that 92% of new clients came via word of mouth. Set up a profile on HealthProvidr to attract new clients online and take your referrals to the next level.

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