Massage therapy is deeply rewarding — you help people feel their best and get paid for your healing touch. Whether you’re just starting out or thinking about relocating your practice, knowing what massage therapists earn in different states helps you make informed decisions.
Keep scrolling to see the average salary for massage therapists by state. How does your state compare?
Psst, the overall numbers look great. In 2024, the estimated revenue of the massage therapy industry in the U.S. was $21.6 billion!
An Overview of Massage Therapy in the U.S
Massage therapists treat clients by applying pressure to the body using various techniques. This type of bodywork helps to relieve pain, heal injuries, promote relaxation, and support overall wellness.
Sources: Statista and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- The number of U.S. massage therapists has more than doubled between 1998 and 2023. In 2023, approximately 321,500 massage therapists were practicing nationwide.
- Between 2023 and 2033, employment of massage therapists in the U.S. is projected to grow 18%, much faster than other occupations.*
- On average, there are about 22,800 job openings for massage therapists across the country each year.*
- In 45 U.S. states, massage therapy license requirements must be met to legally practice massage therapy.
A Snapshot: Salary for Massage Therapists
No matter what stage you’re at — starting a massage therapy business or just considering a career — it’s essential to ask the big question. How much does a
massage therapist make?
In 2023, the median annual wage for massage therapists was $55,310. This amounts to about $26.59 an hour.**
- At the high end, massage therapists earned more than $95,700 annually.**
- On the lower end, massage therapists earned less than $32,240 per year.**
Massage therapists commonly work part-time hours due to the physical demands of the job or difficulty finding clients.
Employment status (full-time vs. part-time) also affects overall salary. For example, an independent contractor may work fewer hours but charge higher prices after building a loyal client base.
Main Factors That Affect Massage Therapy Salary
These are the main factors that affect your salary as a massage therapist:
- Location: Massage therapy salary by state varies significantly due to the cost of living and whether your practice is in a metropolitan or highly populated area
- Experience: The longer you’ve been in practice, the higher you can set your rates as clients trust the expertise you’ve gained over the years
- Type of Practice: Certain work locations, like chiropractors’ offices, can be more lucrative than others
- Education: Specialized certifications may increase your earning potential, particularly if your training fills a specific or popular niche
- Demand: The demand for massage therapy in your area affects your pay — you may practice in a city with a lot of competition and/or not as many interested clients
- Tips: Whether or not you receive tips for services impacts your take-home pay
Massage Therapy Salary by State
See how your state stacks up with our helpful Massage Therapist Salary by State chart! It includes hourly and annual median wages to give you an idea of what massage therapists make where you live.
Massage Therapist Salary by State
| State | Hourly Median Wage | Annual Median Wage |
|---|---|---|
|
Alabama |
$23.54 |
$48,960 |
|
Alaska |
$65.00 |
$135,200 |
|
Arizona |
$28.63 |
$59,550 |
|
Arkansas |
$15.04 |
$31,280 |
|
California |
$23.28 |
$48,430 |
|
Connecticut |
$28.50 |
$59,270 |
|
Delaware |
$25.92 |
$53,920 |
|
District of Columbia |
$29.92 |
$62,220 |
|
Florida |
$23.98 |
$49,880 |
|
Georgia |
$27.28 |
$56,740 |
|
Guam |
$11.09 |
$23,060 |
|
Hawaii |
$38.75 |
$80,590 |
|
Idaho |
$33.88 |
$70,470 |
|
Illinois |
$29.15 |
$60,640 |
|
Indiana |
$25.36 |
$52,740 |
|
Iowa |
$30.00 |
$62,400 |
|
Kansas |
$23.05 |
$47,940 |
|
Kentucky |
$26.39 |
$54,890 |
|
Louisiana |
$27.89 |
$58,010 |
|
Maine |
$32.42 |
$67,420 |
|
Maryland |
$28.07 |
$58,390 |
|
Massachusetts |
$28.59 |
$59,470 |
|
Michigan |
$26.21 |
$54,510 |
|
Minnesota |
$36.30 |
$75,500 |
|
Mississippi |
$20.44 |
$42,510 |
|
Missouri |
$32.15 |
$66,870 |
|
Montana |
$25.00 |
$52,000 |
|
Nebraska |
$26.48 |
$55,080 |
|
Nevada |
$25.00 |
$52,000 |
|
New Hampshire |
$30.21 |
$62,830 |
|
New Jersey |
$27.29 |
$56,760 |
|
New Mexico |
$22.91 |
$47,660 |
|
New York |
$28.23 |
$58,730 |
|
North Carolina |
$29.65 |
$61,670 |
|
North Dakota |
$34.00 |
$70,720 |
|
Ohio |
$24.24 |
$50,430 |
|
Oklahoma |
$23.15 |
$48,140 |
|
Oregon |
$39.84 |
$82,860 |
|
Pennsylvania |
$27.72 |
$57,660 |
|
Puerto Rico |
$10.77 |
$22,410 |
|
South Carolina |
$30.21 |
$62,830 |
|
South Dakota |
$19.61 |
$40,780 |
|
Tennessee |
$23.88 |
$49,670 |
|
Texas |
$27.19 |
$56,540 |
|
Utah |
$29.33 |
$61,010 |
|
Vermont |
$50.72 |
$105,490 |
|
Virginia |
$27.33 |
$56,850 |
|
Washington |
$39.82 |
$82,820 |
|
West Virginia |
$20.54 |
$42,730 |
|
Wisconsin |
$27.66 |
$57,530 |
|
Wyoming |
$15.59 |
$32,430 |
States With the Highest & Lowest Massage Therapist Salaries
Where do massage therapists make the most money? And the least? Remember that multiple factors influence your income, but these are the highest- and lowest-paying states nationwide.
Top-Paying States for Massage Therapists
| State | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
|
Alaska |
$48.40 |
$100,670 |
|
Vermont |
$41.70 |
$86,740 |
|
Washington |
$38.93 |
$80,960 |
|
Oregon |
$36.83 |
$76,600 |
|
New Hampshire
|
$35.08 |
$72,970 |
Lowest-Paying States for Massage Therapists
| State | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
|
Arkansas |
$15.04 |
$31,280
|
|
Wyoming |
$15.55 |
$32,430
|
|
South Dakota
|
$19.61 |
$40,780 |
|
Mississippi |
$20.4 |
$42,510 |
|
West Virginia
|
$20.54
|
$42,730
|
Data extracted in April 2025 from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Don’t forget the cost of living! It plays a critical role in your overall salary. Some of the highest-paying states, like Alaska and California, offer wages that may offset the higher living expenses. Consider your earning potential — and how far it will go in your specific area.
Increase Your Earning Potential as a Massage Therapist
Your massage therapy salary depends on the effort you put into your practice. Here are some tips for taking home a bigger paycheck.
Work in Higher-Paying Environments
Practicing massage therapy in medical offices, chiropractic clinics, or sports team centers can offer higher wages than spas or wellness centers. These work settings also give you opportunities for more referrals from health professionals and consistent client appointments.
Earn a Certification
Does a particular specialization or modality fascinate you? That’s a good sign that you should pursue additional training, a niche like prenatal massage or trigger point therapy. These certifications help you stand out in a competitive market.
Consider Self-Employment or Mobile Services
Running your own practice or offering mobile massage services gives you full control over pricing, scheduling, and marketing. It’s more responsibility, of course, but it can significantly increase your earning potential. Plus, you enjoy the freedom to work for yourself and no one else!
FAQs About Salary for Massage Therapists
Where Do Massage Therapists Get Paid the Most?
Massage therapists earn the highest income where their services are in demand. Some of the highest-paying cities for massage therapy in the U.S. are New York, NY ($51.21/hour); Boulder, CO ($45.27/hour); Los Angeles, CA ($43.27/hour); Chicago, IL ($42.07/hour); and Salt Lake City, UT ($42/hour).
Can I Make a 100K Salary as a Massage Therapist?
It’s possible to earn $100K annually as a massage therapist, but it takes hard work! You’ll likely need to work full-time, market your business effectively, and build a strong client base. Your success will also depend on location and demand.
To give you an idea, the average annual salary for massage therapists in Alaska is about $100.7K.
Do Self-Employed Massage Therapists Make More Money?
You can potentially earn more money as a self-employed massage therapist because you set your own rates and keep the full share of each session. However, you have to pay for your own rent, marketing, supplies, and insurance — so it depends on how well you build your client base!
How Does Certification Impact a Massage Therapist’s Salary?
Certifications boost your salary by enabling you to offer in-demand, specialized services. These credentials justify higher session rates, which means an increased salary.
Do Massage Therapists Receive Benefits Like Health Insurance?
Massage therapists working as employees in spas, clinics, or medical settings may receive benefits like health insurance, but this varies by employer. Self-employed therapists are typically responsible for purchasing their own liability and health insurance coverage.
