As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Massage Therapist in the United States is $47,739 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
However, a Certified Massage Therapist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Certified 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 Certified 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Certified Massage Therapist | $46,808 |
| Intermediate Level Certified Massage Therapist | $47,074 |
| Senior Level Certified Massage Therapist | $48,138 |
| Specialist Level Certified Massage Therapist | $49,734 |
| Expert Level Certified Massage Therapist | $51,549 |
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 Certified 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
|
$52,990 |
11%
|
|
Environmental Protection
|
$52,990 |
11%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$52,035 |
9%
|
|
Chiropractic
|
$51,558 |
8%
|
|
Infection Control
|
$50,603 |
6%
|
|
Consulting
|
$50,126 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Certified 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 Certified Massage Therapist with a No Diploma is between $54,796 and $58,369).
Certified 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 Certified 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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Certified Massage Therapist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $55,878 in 2023 to around $55,495 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Certified Massage Therapist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $55,878 |
| 2024 | $56,133 |
| 2025 | $55,495 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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