Pay, demand and where to work, from BLS data with the year on every table.
low → high: location quotient
Click a state. States: Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · District of Columbia · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming.
By AtiveSite · Published 07/11/2026 · Updated 07/11/2026 · Every figure is linked to its source below.
Massage therapists (SOC 31-9011) employed 98,790 people in May 2025. The median pay is $58,450 a year ($28.10 an hour); the lowest-paid 10% earn under $33,640 and the highest-paid 10% more than $100,200. BLS projects its employment to change by +15.3% between 2025 and 2035 (about 20,400 openings a year including replacements). The typical way in: Postsecondary nondegree award.
Highest median pay: Alaska ($134,930), Washington ($87,360), Oregon ($86,970). Most jobs: California (14,600), Florida (9,280), Texas (8,630).
| Measure ⇅ | Annual ⇅ | Hourly equivalent ⇅ |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $33,640 | $16.17 |
| 25th percentile | $43,480 | $20.90 |
| Median | $58,450 | $28.10 |
| Mean | $63,830 | $30.69 |
| 75th percentile | $78,320 | $37.65 |
| 90th percentile (experienced) | $100,200 | $48.17 |
Estimate for a wage earner: 2026 federal brackets and standard deduction (IRS), Social Security 6.2% up to $184,500, Medicare 1.45% (+0.9% above $200,000 single / $250,000 married), and a state rate you set. It ignores credits, pre-tax deductions, local taxes and benefits. Sources: IRS: tax year 2026 inflation adjustments · SSA wage base per Federal Register notice 2025-19763.
Hourly equivalents divide by 2,080 hours. Pay above $239,200 is shown as "≥ $239,200" (BLS top code).
| Measure ⇅ | Value ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Jobs 2025 | 155,400 |
| Jobs 2035 (projected) | 179,100 |
| Change in jobs | 23,700 |
| Percent change | +15.3% |
| Openings a year (growth + replacements) | 20,400 |
| Self-employed share | 35.6% |
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Work experience in a related occupation | None |
| Typical on-the-job training | None |
Licences and certifications are set by states and employers; the education shown is the usual entry requirement, not a legal one.
| State ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ | Yearly rent as % of median pay ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 600 | 0.45 | $48,930 | $22,250 | $91,260 | -16% | 26% |
| Alaska | 570 | 2.78 | $134,930 | $34,140 | $161,400 | +131% | 13% |
| Arizona | 2,530 | 1.23 | $62,400 | $37,800 | $90,780 | +7% | 32% |
| Arkansas | 430 | 0.52 | $39,990 | $24,180 | $74,530 | -32% | 29% |
| California | 14,600 | 1.26 | $45,970 | $34,320 | $89,880 | -21% | 55% |
| Colorado | 3,950 | 2.16 | $61,060 | $35,990 | $101,710 | +4% | 36% |
| Connecticut | 700 | 0.65 | $62,260 | $34,010 | $97,870 | +7% | 30% |
| Delaware | 230 | 0.75 | $58,870 | $46,250 | $98,220 | +1% | 31% |
| District of Columbia | 120 | 0.27 | $64,110 | $44,130 | $134,110 | +10% | 36% |
| Florida | 9,280 | 1.47 | $49,680 | $30,310 | $79,220 | -15% | 44% |
| Georgia | 1,700 | 0.55 | $50,820 | $19,010 | $83,130 | -13% | 36% |
| Hawaii | 1,330 | 3.34 | $81,280 | $36,660 | $166,730 | +39% | 29% |
| Idaho | 170 | 0.31 | $60,420 | $35,360 | $94,610 | +3% | 27% |
| Illinois | 4,950 | 1.28 | $60,490 | $33,770 | $82,910 | +3% | 26% |
| Indiana | 1,480 | 0.73 | $55,590 | $38,140 | $83,140 | -5% | 24% |
| Iowa | 540 | 0.55 | $57,710 | $37,560 | $91,570 | -1% | 20% |
| Kansas | 780 | 0.85 | $49,990 | $31,490 | $81,760 | -14% | 26% |
| Kentucky | 780 | 0.61 | $59,790 | $30,210 | $95,290 | +2% | 20% |
| Louisiana | 890 | 0.72 | $36,480 | $18,080 | $59,680 | -38% | 35% |
| Maine | 370 | 0.91 | $73,290 | $32,450 | $119,580 | +25% | 20% |
| Maryland | 1,350 | 0.77 | $62,270 | $35,360 | $96,440 | +7% | 33% |
| Massachusetts | 2,830 | 1.23 | $63,390 | $40,420 | $104,510 | +8% | 35% |
| Michigan | 2,410 | 0.86 | $70,960 | $32,610 | $89,950 | +21% | 20% |
| Minnesota | 1,690 | 0.90 | $63,070 | $28,320 | $97,870 | +8% | 25% |
| Mississippi | 230 | 0.32 | $40,490 | $28,820 | $103,020 | -31% | 29% |
| Missouri | 1,500 | 0.80 | $62,050 | $43,680 | $101,900 | +6% | 21% |
| Montana | 200 | 0.60 | $53,540 | $25,020 | $96,740 | -8% | 26% |
| Nebraska | 270 | 0.42 | $53,950 | $47,360 | $93,390 | -8% | 25% |
| Nevada | 1,620 | 1.64 | $53,540 | $25,230 | $121,980 | -8% | 38% |
| New Hampshire | 270 | 0.62 | $80,360 | $36,500 | $114,400 | +37% | 23% |
| New Jersey | 2,890 | 1.06 | $50,150 | $33,280 | $81,930 | -14% | 43% |
| New Mexico | 360 | 0.66 | $37,840 | $29,430 | $91,730 | -35% | 35% |
| New York | 4,500 | 0.73 | $62,630 | $33,280 | $110,210 | +7% | 31% |
| North Carolina | 2,460 | 0.78 | $60,650 | $31,050 | $96,510 | +4% | 26% |
| North Dakota | 100 | 0.37 | $74,140 | $34,120 | $110,870 | +27% | 16% |
| Ohio | 1,760 | 0.50 | $55,990 | $40,340 | $78,520 | -4% | 23% |
| Oklahoma | 520 | 0.48 | $36,630 | $24,790 | $101,100 | -37% | 34% |
| Oregon | 2,250 | 1.80 | $86,970 | $47,270 | $103,630 | +49% | 22% |
| Pennsylvania | 2,990 | 0.78 | $58,300 | $31,000 | $110,770 | -0% | 26% |
| Rhode Island | 290 | 0.92 | $74,960 | $43,480 | $126,150 | +28% | 23% |
| South Carolina | 1,840 | 1.25 | $58,000 | $17,340 | $95,540 | -1% | 26% |
| South Dakota | 180 | 0.63 | $52,000 | $35,720 | $56,310 | -11% | 23% |
| Tennessee | 1,230 | 0.59 | $50,070 | $36,960 | $95,260 | -14% | 31% |
| Texas | 8,630 | 0.97 | $59,370 | $34,870 | $109,970 | +2% | 30% |
| Utah | 1,840 | 1.66 | $62,130 | $23,160 | $97,970 | +6% | 31% |
| Virginia | 2,730 | 1.04 | $62,220 | $38,070 | $119,570 | +6% | 32% |
| Washington | 3,740 | 1.66 | $87,360 | $61,850 | $115,800 | +49% | 25% |
| West Virginia | 250 | 0.57 | $46,600 | $22,450 | $82,950 | -20% | 23% |
| Wisconsin | 1,520 | 0.82 | $58,070 | $20,280 | $105,360 | -1% | 24% |
| Wyoming | 150 | 0.86 | $61,980 | $18,570 | $98,090 | +6% | 19% |
Location quotient above 1 means the occupation is more concentrated in the state than in the nation. "n/a" means BLS suppressed the figure. Rent uses the state median gross rent (ACS).
The 60 highest-paying metropolitan areas among those with at least 300 jobs in this occupation.
| Metropolitan area ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI | 330 | $96,820 | $31,140 | $169,180 | 7.07 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 2,230 | $94,220 | $65,850 | $128,500 | 1.68 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | 1,580 | $84,730 | $50,710 | $103,650 | 2.05 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 370 | $77,150 | $60,850 | $96,520 | 2.26 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | 1,290 | $75,340 | $46,950 | $111,890 | 1.04 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | 2,180 | $75,160 | $46,430 | $104,710 | 1.27 |
| Boulder, CO | 420 | $71,870 | $55,090 | $125,010 | 3.40 |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | 650 | $71,480 | $40,660 | $95,280 | 1.39 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | 1,310 | $70,960 | $33,820 | $89,510 | 1.09 |
| Ogden, UT | 340 | $70,430 | $31,200 | $98,270 | 1.95 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | 350 | $68,470 | $27,110 | $82,770 | 0.92 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | 380 | $68,230 | $46,080 | $95,290 | 0.86 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | 1,540 | $65,220 | $46,140 | $132,250 | 0.77 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | 840 | $63,820 | $35,510 | $88,370 | 0.97 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | 1,890 | $63,080 | $37,790 | $95,490 | 1.25 |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | 400 | $62,140 | $18,960 | $99,410 | 1.60 |
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT | 610 | $61,980 | $44,650 | $96,980 | 1.16 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | 390 | $61,770 | $47,840 | $97,980 | 3.63 |
| Provo-Orem-Lehi, UT | 480 | $61,290 | $17,490 | $97,970 | 2.46 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | 3,890 | $61,200 | $33,770 | $83,000 | 1.36 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | 1,890 | $60,490 | $31,910 | $101,690 | 1.85 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | 1,360 | $60,460 | $35,610 | $109,490 | 1.66 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | 440 | $60,420 | $39,030 | $126,150 | 0.97 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | 630 | $60,030 | $37,510 | $101,650 | 3.15 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 1,500 | $59,560 | $33,720 | $124,800 | 0.81 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 560 | $59,290 | $35,340 | $114,140 | 0.79 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | 1,930 | $59,150 | $34,970 | $111,040 | 0.92 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | 1,010 | $59,020 | $43,680 | $96,310 | 1.19 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | 2,930 | $59,010 | $35,100 | $102,760 | 1.14 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | 930 | $58,930 | $32,740 | $96,690 | 1.07 |
| Tucson, AZ | 340 | $58,610 | $46,960 | $78,820 | 1.39 |
| Richmond, VA | 490 | $57,730 | $39,720 | $98,910 | 1.16 |
| Columbus, OH | 390 | $57,580 | $40,690 | $77,030 | 0.56 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | 540 | $57,510 | $37,640 | $102,200 | 1.12 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | 790 | $56,870 | $35,670 | $108,960 | 1.10 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | 660 | $56,850 | $39,610 | $86,800 | 0.94 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | 440 | $56,350 | $19,990 | $106,100 | 0.85 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | 440 | $55,990 | $45,970 | $98,010 | 0.62 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | 650 | $55,810 | $43,480 | $101,720 | 0.93 |
| Naples-Marco Island, FL | 320 | $55,160 | $32,760 | $101,910 | 2.92 |
| Cleveland, OH | 350 | $54,770 | $38,640 | $75,470 | 0.53 |
| Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV | 1,390 | $53,540 | $25,590 | $123,800 | 1.92 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | 530 | $52,140 | $40,590 | $95,570 | 0.76 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | 720 | $51,980 | $34,550 | $89,510 | 1.05 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | 1,530 | $51,470 | $31,650 | $70,720 | 1.66 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | 310 | $50,620 | $35,460 | $100,050 | 2.38 |
| Jacksonville, FL | 650 | $50,600 | $31,580 | $79,040 | 1.35 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | 5,420 | $50,600 | $33,280 | $99,920 | 0.90 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | 390 | $50,190 | $31,660 | $93,000 | 2.01 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 680 | $50,060 | $37,840 | $97,510 | 0.94 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL | 380 | $49,830 | $34,070 | $79,460 | 1.76 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | 1,220 | $48,610 | $19,010 | $82,320 | 0.67 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | 1,250 | $48,480 | $29,360 | $95,620 | 1.39 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | 2,740 | $48,370 | $30,260 | $79,330 | 1.53 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | 1,820 | $45,200 | $34,320 | $91,310 | 1.86 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 1,330 | $44,760 | $34,320 | $96,240 | 1.22 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 5,680 | $43,530 | $34,320 | $78,320 | 1.43 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 1,800 | $40,280 | $36,930 | $95,500 | 1.19 |
The median is $58,450 a year ($28.10 an hour); the lowest-paid tenth earn under $33,640 and the highest-paid tenth over $100,200 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
98,790 in May 2025, and BLS projects +15.3% growth to 2035.
The typical entry education is: Postsecondary nondegree award (BLS).
Alaska, with a median of $134,930 (among states with published figures).