Massage therapist
Also known as: medical massage therapist, shiatsu massage therapist, professional masseur, medical masseur, acupressure treatment specialist, masseuse
About this occupation
Massage therapists provide therapeutic massage treatments to improve the well-being of their clients. They perform a variety of massage types such as shiatsu and swedish massage, according to their client's needs and preferences.
Essential skills and knowledge
- give massages
- maintain customer service
- massage types
- human anatomy
- contraindications
- discuss the medical history of the healthcare user
- maintain privacy of service users
- massage theory
- work ergonomically
- provide health education
- develop personalised massage plan
- musculoskeletal anatomy
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Massage Therapists (O*NET 31-9011.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Massage and knead muscles and soft tissues of the body to provide treatment for medical conditions, injuries, or wellness maintenance.
- Apply finger and hand pressure to specific points of the body.
- Confer with clients about their medical histories and problems with stress or pain to determine how massage will be most helpful.
- Maintain massage areas by restocking supplies or sanitizing equipment.
- Treat clients in professional settings or travel to clients' offices and homes.
- Develop and propose client treatment plans that specify which types of massage are to be used.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Social, Realistic, Investigative
Top skills: Active Listening, Speaking, Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking
US median pay: US$58,450 a year (2025), 98,790 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.1)
- BiologyO*NET: BiologyImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Physical Therapist Assistants
- Recreational Therapists
- Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Physical Therapist Aides
- Skincare Specialists
- Occupational Therapy Aides
- Respiratory Therapists
- Radiation Therapists
- Registered Nurses
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.