Massage Therapy graduates pursue 2 occupations, with top roles paying $107,310/yr or more. The career cards below break down wages, daily tasks, and 10-year job growth projections for each.
Massage Therapy is a focused area of study within Health. The program is available at 465 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 10,516 students complete this program each year, most earning a certificate. Training is clinical and hands-on, often leading to licensure or certification.
Colleges Offering
465
Graduates / Year
10,516
Avg Net Price / yr
$19,327
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 10,516 students who complete Massage Therapy programs each year, the majority (87%) earn a certificate degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
87%
Certificate87%
Associate's12%
What Can You Do With a Massage Therapy Degree?
Massage Therapy connects to 2 occupations in the job market. Health Specialties Teachers leads at $107,310/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
SpeakingActive ListeningService OrientationSocial PerceptivenessJudgment and Decision Making
Day-to-day responsibilities
Perform therapeutic massages of soft tissues and joints. May assist in the assessment of range of motion and muscle strength, or propose client therapy plans.
Confer with clients about their medical histories and problems with stress or pain to determine how massage will be most helpful.
Massage and knead muscles and soft tissues of the body to provide treatment for medical conditions, injuries, or wellness maintenance.
Maintain massage areas by restocking supplies or sanitizing equipment.
Top Colleges for Massage Therapy
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Massage Therapy students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Massage Therapy program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
The data on Massage Therapy shows 3 measurable strengths and 2 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Fast-growing fieldRelated careers are projected to grow up to +17.3% over the next decade, with Health Specialties Teachers among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 52,100 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Wide availabilityOffered at 465 colleges nationwide, with options at every price point and institution type.
CONS
Licensure often requiredMost roles in this field require state licensure or certification before you can practice. Budget time and costs for board exams alongside your degree.
Advanced degree often expectedTop roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
What jobs can you get with a Massage Therapy degree?
Massage Therapy degree holders pursue careers including Health Specialties Teachers, which pays a median of $107,310/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Massage Therapy program take?
Most Massage Therapy certificate programs take one to two years of full-time study. Some are available in as little as one semester at community colleges.
How many colleges offer Massage Therapy?
465 colleges and universities in the United States offer Massage Therapy programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
What is the difference between Massage Therapy and Health?
Massage Therapy is a focused concentration within the broader Health field. The Health major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Massage Therapy-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Massage Therapy graduates?
Employers hiring Massage Therapy graduates consistently prioritize clinical judgment, patient communication, and evidence-based decision-making. Licensure, certifications, and supervised clinical hours are typically required or strongly preferred in most roles.
Is graduate school worth it for Massage Therapy graduates?
In health fields, advanced degrees (nurse practitioner, physician assistant, doctor of physical therapy) typically unlock significantly higher salaries and expanded scope of practice, making graduate education a strong investment for most students. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Massage Therapy graduates?
The job outlook for Massage Therapy graduates is strong overall. Related occupations project an average of +16.4% job growth over the next 10 years. Health Specialties Teachers is among the strongest-growth roles at +17.3%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
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Original data analyses built on the same federal data as this profile. Rankings, outliers, and patterns, no opinions.
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