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Registered Massage Therapist Salary in the United States

How much does a Registered Massage Therapist make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Registered Massage Therapist in the United States is $49,504 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.

However, a Registered Massage Therapist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $59,948
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $40,617 to $54,971
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $32,526
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Registered Massage Therapist Salaries

A Registered 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.

How Experience Level Affects Registered Massage Therapist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Registered 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:

  • Registered Massage Therapist (0-0 years): $49,514
  • Exercise Instructor I (0-1 years): $38,807
  • Fitness Training Coordinator II (1-3 years): $50,619
  • Personal Fitness Trainer (3-5 years): $67,441
  • Gym Supervisor (5+ years): $69,135
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Registered Massage Therapist0-0 years$49,514
Exercise Instructor I0-1 years$38,807
Fitness Training Coordinator II1-3 years$50,619
Personal Fitness Trainer3-5 years$67,441
Gym Supervisor5+ years$69,135
View as Graph

How Do Registered Massage Therapist Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Registered Massage Therapists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $54,812.
  • California: $54,604.
  • Massachusetts: $53,877.

Top Paying Cities for Registered Massage Therapists

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $62,443
  • San Francisco: $61,759
  • Oakland: $60,457

What Skills Can Increase a Registered Massage Therapist's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 15.11% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Infection Prevention (Mentioned in 1.61% Job Postings): Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a practical, evidence-based approach which prevents patients and health workers from being harmed by avoidable infection and as a result of antimicrobial resistance.
  • Product Knowledge (Mentioned in 0.28% Job Postings): Product knowledge is the ability to communicate information and answer questions about a product or service. It is considered an important knowledge area for any role that puts you in front of customers, investors or the media.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 15.11%
Infection Prevention 1.61%
Product Knowledge 0.28%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Registered Massage Therapist's salary.

  • Environmental Health: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Environmental Protection: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Environmental Health $54,949
11%
Environmental Protection $54,949
11%
Collaboration $53,959
9%
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Registered Massage Therapist Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Registered Massage Therapist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $53,360. While startup companies pay approximate $45,261.

Registered Massage Therapist Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $45,261
Growth Stage 51~500 $47,845
Established 501~5000 $51,549
Enterprise 5000+ $53,360

Registered Massage Therapist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Registered 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, Registered Massage Therapist positions in Insurance or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Registered Massage Therapist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Registered Massage Therapist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$69,306$33.040%

How Education impacts a Registered Massage Therapist's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Registered 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 Registered Massage Therapist with a No Diploma is between $54,540 and $58,100).

Registered Massage Therapist Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Registered Massage Therapist
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%
View as Graph

Registered Massage Therapist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Registered 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 September 01, 2026
$40,617
Average $49,504/year
$54,971
$3,385
Average $4,125/month
$4,581
$781
Average $952/week
$1,057
$20
Average $24/hour
$26
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $54,971 $4,581 $1,057 $26
Average $49,504 $4,125 $952 $24
25th Percentile $40,617 $3,385 $781 $20

Registered Massage Therapist Salary Growth & Career Path

Registered Massage Therapist

Next Role

Advancement

For a Registered 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 $38,900 - a projected growth of -21% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Registered Massage Therapist

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Registered Massage Therapist

Here are companies hiring for Registered Massage Therapist and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Registered Massage Therapist

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Registered Massage Therapist?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Registered Massage Therapist roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

2. How to get wealthy massage clients?

To attract wealthy massage clients, consider offering exclusive memberships that provide access to premium services. This approach not only fosters a sense of belonging but also encourages loyalty. With Registered Massage Therapists earning between $52,755 and $67,706, creating a high-end experience can justify premium pricing and enhance client retention.

3. What is the highest paying job in a spa?

The highest paying job in a spa is a Registered Massage Therapist, with a salary range of approximately $52,755 to $67,706 per year. This role typically offers a mid-salary of around $58,939, making it a lucrative option compared to other spa positions like Spa Host or Spa Coordinator, which generally pay less.

4. How profitable is a massage therapist?

A Registered Massage Therapist can expect to earn between $52,755 and $67,706 annually, with a median salary of $58,939. With consistent clientele, earnings can increase significantly, making it a profitable career. The growing recognition of massage therapy's medicinal and relaxation benefits contributes to its increasing demand.

5. How to make 6 figures as a massage therapist?

To achieve a six-figure income as a massage therapist, focus on increasing your session rates and maximizing your client base. Specialize in a niche to stand out, build a strong online presence, and leverage social media for marketing. Prioritize client experience to foster loyalty. With a mid-salary of $58,939, strategic growth can help you reach six figures.

6. What is the highest paying job in a spa?

The highest paying job in a spa is a Registered Massage Therapist, with a salary range of approximately $52,755 to $67,706 per year. This role typically offers a mid-salary of around $58,939, making it a lucrative option compared to other spa positions like Spa Host or Spa Coordinator, which generally pay much less.

7. What states pay massage therapists the most?

Massage therapists earn varying salaries across the U.S. Based on recent data, the average salary ranges from a minimum of $52,755 to a mid-range of $58,939, with a maximum of $67,706. States like Alaska and Washington typically offer higher salaries, with Alaska averaging around $77,080, making it one of the top-paying states for this profession.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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