How to Become a Massage Therapist?
Are you thinking of becoming a Massage Therapist or already started your career and planning the next step? Learn how to become a Massage Therapist, what skills you need to succeed, how to advance your career and get promoted, and what levels of pay to expect at each step on your career path. Explore new Massage Therapist job openings and options for career transitions into related roles.
Steps to Become a Massage Therapist
If you're considering starting your Massage Therapist career path, it's important to note the skills, qualifications, and time it takes to become a professional Massage Therapist and how to advance your career path. Below are the steps generally required to begin and advance your Massage Therapist career.Contents
1
Earn a Degree
To begin your Massage Therapist career path, a Bachelor's Degree in kinesiology or a related field is usually necessary in order to remain a competitive option for employers. Focus on industry-specific skill development during your education in order to be properly equipped when applying for entry-level positions and entering the job force. A Massage Therapist internship may be required to earn your Bachelor's Degree and acquire necessary on-the-job skills before entering the workforce.What type of degree should you pursue to become a Massage Therapist?
81% of people working as a Massage Therapist earned a Bachelor's Degree
What skills do you need to be a Massage Therapist?
- Swedish
- Excellent Customer Service
- Work Ethic
- Protocols
- Android Mobile
- Customizing
- Schedules
- Excellent Communication
2
Choose a Specialty in Your Field
As an Massage Therapist, you may be required to choose a specialty within your field. Determine which part of the Massage Therapist field you feel strongest in, and continue taking active steps toward growing in your chosen Massage Therapist specialty.3
Get an Entry-Level Position as a Massage Therapist
Once you've acquired a Bachelor's Degree in kinesiology or a related field, you'll typically begin your career as an entry-level Massage Therapist. In general, you can become a Massage Therapist after completing your 4 year Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline. Depending on the type of Massage Therapist role you’re pursuing, you may want to explore certification in certified massage therapist.4
Advance in Your Massage Therapist Career
Following entry-level, there are several Massage Therapist career path levels to advance into. It can take 2 years as an entry-level Massage Therapist to progress to the next seniority level position. Each advanced Massage Therapist position requires approximately 8 years of experience at each level to advance in your Massage Therapist career path. It may be necessary to receive additional education, an advanced degree such as a Master's Degree in a related field, or special certifications in order to advance your Massage Therapist career path.5
Continued Education for Your Massage Therapist Career Path
Not all industries and companies require continued education to advance your Massage Therapist career path. However, earning this degree may help you advance to higher-earning positions more quickly. Earning a Bachelor's Degree in kinesiology can take 4 years to complete. People that have earned their Bachelor's Degree typically make $156,137 compared to $35,803 for those without that type of degree.Massage Therapist Career Path
Massage Therapist
8+Years of Experience
$42K - $71K /yrMost Likely Range
10% advanced to
Lead Massage Therapist
5 - 7Years of Experience
$54K - $93K /yrMost Likely Range
Total Pay Trajectory
Massage Therapist Career Path
Massage Therapist
Lead Massage Therapist
$30K
$46K
$62K
$78K
$110K
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Related Careers in the Healthcare Industry
Interested in other Healthcare careers? Below are occupations that have high affinity with Massage Therapist skills. Discover some of the most common Massage Therapist career transitions, along with skills overlap.