How Much Do Massage Therapists Make in 2023?

Do you want to know how much massage therapists make? It is a question that many people ask, but it’s not always easy to get an answer. There are so many factors that go into determining how much money one can earn in this field. In fact, there are different salaries for the same job depending on the location of where they work and what type of clinic or spa they work at.

In order to help provide some insight into these figures, we spoke with a few professionals across the country about their pay scale and learned more about what it takes to become a licensed therapist in each state. This will give potential candidates a better idea of whether or not massage therapy might be right for them financially as well as personally. So without further ado, let’s dive into the details.

How Much Do Massage Therapists Make 2023?

The average base pay for therapists is $30,692.  Some of the highest paying states are Alaska at $40,000/year, California at $37,000/ year, and New York City with an average salary of $45.00 per hour. The lowest paying states are Ohio with an average of $21,000/year and Mississippi at $24,500.

It is important to note that the figures above include all types of therapists. This figure does not take into account LMTs (licensed massage therapists).

While it is possible to make six figures as a massage therapist, it is not always the norm.

Factors That Affect Massage Therapist Salary

Some of the factors that go into how much do massage therapists make include:

Type of Clinic/Spa

The type of clinic or spa where a therapist works can impact their salary. For example, therapists working in luxury spas can make upwards of $100,000/year.

On the other hand, therapists at corporate clinics might not make as much since they are paid by the number of patients that come through their door.

Location

Another factor is location, or where in the country a therapist works. For example, therapists in New York City make more than those who work anywhere else because the cost of living is so high. In fact, therapists working in New York City can make an average of $100/hour.

In addition to location, the cost of living in a particular state can impact the salary. So therapists working in New York City pay more for rent and food than those who work anywhere else.

Experience

The experience and expertise of the therapist also impact their salary. Those who have more training, education, or years in practice can make a higher hourly wage. In fact, some therapists earn more money the longer they have been in practice.

In order to gain experience and expertise, one must complete a massage therapy school.

Licensure Requirements

There are different licensure requirements for each state which impact the salary of therapists working there because it means they are regulated. For example, therapists working in Texas must be registered while those working in New York City need to be certified.

This licensure determines how much do massage therapists make because it affects the type of clinic or spa where they work. For example, a therapist who is only certified will not be able to work in a luxury spa.

If you are thinking about becoming a therapist, it is important for you to have an idea of what you can expect to make in your area.

How Much a Licensed Massage Therapist Can Make?

The average salary for LMTs is $40,000/year.

The highest paying states are Washington at $48,500 and California with an average salary of $51,000.

The lowest paying states are South Dakota at $32,000 and Oklahoma with an average salary of $34,500.

Licensed massage therapists (LMTs) make more than those who are not licensed because they must be regulated by their state. In order to be an LMT, you must complete an accredited massage therapy school and pass your state’s licensing exam.

How Much a Mobile Massage Therapist Can Make?

Mobile massage therapists (MMPs) are self-employed and can make more than those who work at a clinic or spa.

In fact, MMPs can make an average of $60/hour which is more than double the average base pay of therapists working in spas or clinics.

The only downside to being an MMP is that you are not making a full-time salary. Instead, MMPs are only paid for the hours they actually work which means you could have weeks where you don’t make money at all.

Average Salary for Other Massage Professionals

Massage therapists are not the only ones who can make a good living in this field. Other professionals who can make a good living include:

• Estheticians – average salary of $31,000/year
• Reflexologists – average salary of $40,000/year
• Sports Massage Therapists – average salary of $50,000/year
• Oncology Massage Therapist – average salary of $45,000/year
• Chair Massage Therapists – average salary of $50,000/year

In addition to therapists and other massage professionals, the following types of massage jobs can also pay well:

• Massage Therapist Assistant – average salary of $33,000/year
• Spa Manager – average salary of $50,000/year
• Spa Receptionist – average salary of $27,500/year
• Spa Coordinator – average salary of $30,000/year
• Spa Sales Executive – average salary of $35,000/year

Whether you are a therapist or work in another type of role within the field, you can expect to make a salary that will allow you to live comfortably.

However, it is important for massage professionals to know the average salary because it helps them plan for the future and know how much they can expect to make in their area.

Lastly, the salary of a massage therapist varies from state to state and is based on years in practice, licensure requirements, and work setting. In order to make a good living as a massage therapist, it is important for them to have an idea of what they can expect to make in their area.