Massage Therapists

Employment for massage therapists is expected to grow by 18 percent, much faster than the average for all careers, through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The growing acceptance of massage therapy as an important health care discipline has led to the creation of additional jobs for massage therapists in many sectors. More states are adopting licensing requirements and standards for massage therapy, and a growing number of health care providers are including massage therapy in treatment plans. Opportunities should be strongest for women, as clients—both male and female—report that they are more comfortable working with female massage therapists. More than one-third of massage therapists are self-employed.

Sports massage is a fast-growing specialty in the field. The increasing popularity of professional sports has given massage therapists new opportunities to work as key members of a team's staff. Their growing presence in sports has made massage therapy more visible to the public, spreading the awareness of the physical benefits of massage. Employment for massage therapists who work with the elderly is also experiencing strong growth.

According to a 2023 survey by the American Massage Therapy Association, 95 percent of Americans surveyed considered massage as being beneficial to their overall wellness and health. There is also a growing opportunity for massage therapists in the corporate world. Many employers eager to hold on to good employees offer perks such as workplace massages. As a result, many massage therapists are traveling to businesses to perform massages.