Massage Therapists

The earnings of massage therapists vary greatly with the level of experience and location of practice. Therapists in New York and California, for example, typically charge higher rates than those in other parts of the country. Some entry-level massage therapists earn as little as minimum wage (ending up with a yearly income of around $20,800). Hourly earnings are much higher for experienced therapists. The American Massage Therapy Association reports that the average annual salary for a massage therapist in 2018 was $25,810 (including tips). Those with higher earnings typically worked in higher paying geographic areas (such as large cities), had years of experience, and had built up a large clientele.

In December 2019, Salary.com reported the average annual salary for massage therapists was $51,389. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that massage therapists earned median annual salaries of $41,420 a year in May 2018. The lowest paid 10 percent earned $21,340 or less, while the top 10 percent earned $78,280 or more.

Self-employed therapists are not paid for the time spent on bookkeeping, maintaining their offices, waiting for customers to arrive, and looking for new clients. In addition, they must pay a self-employment tax and provide their own benefits. With membership in some national organizations, self-employed massage therapists may be eligible for group life, health, liability, and renter's insurance through the organization's insurance agency.

Massage therapists employed by a health club usually get free or discounted memberships to the club. Those who work for resorts or on cruise ships can get free or discounted travel and accommodations, in addition to full access to facilities when not on duty. Massage therapists employed by a sports team often get to attend the team's sporting events.