Statistics for Careers & Jobs in Massage

Massage Careers Statistics

Employment statistics indicate massage therapists can expect faster-than-average growth for the 2004-2014 period
33 states and D.C. require specific training and certification to practice massage therapy (2004)
Many massage therapists work part-time; working over 40 hours per week is uncommon, due to the physically demanding nature of massage and the time needed between appointments
Many professional massage therapists are self-employed
Massage therapy has been practiced for at least 2,400 years - the first documentation in Western culture of the benefits of massage were recorded by Hippocrates around 400 B.C.E.
There are over 80 different types of massage modalities
There are about 1,300 postsecondary institutions, college programs, and training programs for massage therapy in the United States
In 2004, massage therapists held about 97,000 jobs in the U.S.

Median hourly earnings for massage therapists (including gratuities) were $15.36 in 2004.

Massage therapists generally make 15 to 20% of their income in gratuity. Those who work in clinics or hospitals usually do not receive tips.