As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Licensed Massage Therapist in the United States is $49,590 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, a Licensed Massage Therapist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Licensed Massage Therapist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Licensed Massage Therapist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Massage Therapist | 0-0 years | $49,516 |
| Exercise Instructor I | 0-1 years | $41,441 |
| Fitness Training Coordinator II | 1-3 years | $50,611 |
| Personal Fitness Trainer | 3-5 years | $67,424 |
| Gym Supervisor | 5+ years | $69,120 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Licensed Massage Therapists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 15.11% |
| Infection Prevention | 1.61% |
| Product Knowledge | 0.28% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Environmental Health
|
$55,045 |
11%
|
|
Environmental Protection
|
$55,045 |
11%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$54,053 |
9%
|
|
Chiropractic
|
$53,557 |
8%
|
|
Infection Control
|
$52,565 |
6%
|
|
Consulting
|
$52,070 |
5%
|
Licensed Massage Therapist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $53,422. While startup companies pay approximate $45,340.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $45,340 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $47,918 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $51,620 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $53,422 |
For Licensed Massage Therapist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Licensed Massage Therapist positions in Insurance or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Licensed Massage Therapist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $69,426 | $33.0 | 40% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Licensed Massage Therapists enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Licensed Massage Therapist with a No Diploma is between $54,557 and $58,108).
Licensed Massage Therapist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.8% |
| High School | 61.8% |
| Associates | 22.4% |
| Bachelors | 12.3% |
| Masters | 2.3% |
| Doctorate | 0.4% |
Understanding how a Licensed Massage Therapist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026For a Licensed Massage Therapist, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Exercise Instructor I role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $41,500 - a projected growth of -16% over your current level.
Salaries for a Licensed Massage Therapist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $55,644 in 2023 to around $55,263 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Licensed Massage Therapist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $55,644 |
| 2024 | $55,899 |
| 2025 | $55,263 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Licensed Massage Therapist roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
No, making 100k as a massage therapist is unlikely. Typically, salaries range from $52,790 to $67,790 annually. To reach higher earnings, you would need to operate a boutique practice and charge premium rates. Most therapists earn between $52,790 and $58,990 per year, depending on their location and client volume.
Yes, you can make a good living as a massage therapist. The salary data indicates that Licensed Massage Therapists earn between $52,790 and $67,790 annually, with a mid-salary of $58,990. This is significantly higher than the average reported for many therapists, making it a viable career option for those in the field.
Massage Therapists in the US earn a median salary of $58,990. The lowest 25% earn around $52,790, while the highest 25% can make up to $67,790. This reflects a range of earnings based on experience, location, and specialization within the field.
The number of massages a therapist can perform in a day varies based on their schedule, but most full-time Licensed Massage Therapists typically see around five clients daily. With an annual salary ranging from $52,790 to $67,790, this profession offers a rewarding income while providing essential wellness services.
While the top 10% of massage therapists can earn significant income, the average salary range for licensed massage therapists is between $52,790 and $67,790 annually. The mid-salary stands at $58,990, indicating that many professionals earn a comfortable living, though it may not reach the higher figures often cited.
Licensed Massage Therapists can expect to earn between $52,790 and $67,790 annually, with a mid-salary of around $58,990. While self-employed therapists may earn more, the average salary varies by location and experience. In some states, earnings can exceed these figures, reflecting the potential for a lucrative business.
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