Massage Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of wellness and self-care, the focus on massage therapists has never been more important.

As the demand for holistic therapies continues to grow, the need for skilled professionals who can rejuvenate, relax, and restore our physical well-being becomes increasingly crucial.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a massage therapist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the art and science of massage therapy,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable massage therapist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or wellness career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Massage Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

Massage Therapists use a client-focused approach to alleviate pain and stress through targeted manipulation of soft tissue.

They use their knowledge of the human body and various massage techniques to provide therapeutic relief and promote overall wellness.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Consulting with clients to understand their symptoms, medical history, and desired results
• Evaluating clients to locate painful or tense areas of the body
• Manipulating muscles or other soft tissues of the body to provide treatment
• Providing clients with guidance on stretching, strengthening, overall relaxation, and how to improve their posture
• Documenting clients’ conditions and progress
• Developing personalized therapy and treatment plans for clients
• Adhering to professional ethics and standards of practice
• Maintaining a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for clients
• Continuing education to improve skills and learning new techniques
• Processing payments and scheduling appointments

 

Massage Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Massage Therapist to join our wellness team.

In this role, you will be responsible for delivering professional, therapeutic and rejuvenating massage therapies to our clients.

A successful Massage Therapist must have a thorough knowledge of various massage modalities, possess excellent customer service skills and be able to communicate effectively with clients to understand their needs and explain treatments.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform professional quality massage therapy sessions
• Design specific sessions based on client’s individual needs
• Ensure the comfort of clients during massages
• Maintain a clean, relaxing, and comfortable environment
• Educate clients about the benefits of massages as part of their overall wellness program
• Keep accurate records of treatments provided to clients
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures
• Build relationships with clients to encourage repeat business

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Massage Therapist
• Knowledge of various massage modalities, including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, etc
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to assess client needs and preferences to provide appropriate treatments
• Understanding of health and wellness benefits of massage therapy
• Certification from an accredited school of massage
• Valid state license to practice massage therapy

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Free or discounted wellness services

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Massage Therapist
• Work Environment: Spa or wellness center, with potential for on-call, in-home treatments
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Spa or Wellness Center Manager
• Salary: Salary is based upon experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time, Part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, references, and any applicable certifications to [email address or application portal]

 

What Does a Massage Therapist Do?

Massage Therapists provide therapeutic treatments to clients who are suffering from a range of physical ailments, stress, and other health-related issues.

They use their hands, fingers, forearms, elbows, and sometimes even feet to knead muscles and soft tissues of the body to help relieve stress, reduce pain, increase relaxation, and aid in the general wellness of their clients.

Massage Therapists may specialize in several different types of massage, also known as modalities, such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, and reflexology.

Some therapists also offer treatments using hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, and hot stone therapy.

They need to discuss symptoms, medical history, and desired results with their clients to determine the most suitable type of massage therapy and develop a treatment plan.

Massage Therapists also give advice on strengthening, stretching, and overall relaxation.

They need to observe the physical condition of their clients and adjust the treatment accordingly.

In addition to providing massages, they are responsible for maintaining treatment records, sanitizing the massage equipment, and ensuring a clean and calming environment for their clients.

Many Massage Therapists work in a variety of settings, including spas, health clubs, hotels, and private practices.

Others are self-employed and travel to clients’ homes or offices to provide massage therapy services.

 

Massage Therapist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient massage therapist should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Physical strength and stamina to perform massages for several hours each day.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology to provide effective treatment.
• Proficiency in different types of massages such as Swedish, deep tissue, sports massage, and others, depending on the needs of the clients.
• Exceptional customer service skills to interact with clients, understand their needs, and ensure their comfort throughout the session.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly understand the client’s problem areas, their massage preferences, and to provide post-massage care instructions.
• Keen attention to detail to monitor the client’s physical condition during the massage and adjust the technique as needed.
• Empathy and a professional, caring attitude to provide a comforting environment for the clients.
• Time management skills to keep appointments on schedule.
• Being able to maintain high standard of cleanliness and hygiene in the working area.

 

Massage Therapist Experience Requirements

Massage Therapists usually attend a state-approved massage therapy school where they gain a considerable amount of theoretical and practical experience as students.

Some schools offer the option of an internship which gives students an opportunity to apply their skills in a real-world environment.

On average, entry-level Massage Therapists may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through internships, part-time roles, or working at wellness centers or spas.

These professionals can gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Assistant Therapist or Trainee Massage Therapist, which gives them a solid foundation in the field.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience may have developed their skills in specialized techniques like sports massage, Swedish massage, or deep tissue massage.

These individuals often provide more specialized or tailored massage therapy to clients and may work independently or in higher positions at massage spas or wellness centers.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have managerial or training experience in their background.

They may have supervised and trained junior therapists, managed a spa or wellness center, or run their own massage therapy business.

At this level, they are usually ready for senior or managerial positions in the field.

 

Massage Therapist Education and Training Requirements

To become a Massage Therapist, individuals typically need to complete a postsecondary education program of 500 or more hours of study and experience, although standards and requirements vary by state or other jurisdictions.

Most states in the U.S. regulate massage therapists and require them to have a license or certification.

The curriculum in a massage therapy program generally includes courses in anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, massage techniques, and ethical and business management.

Hands-on practice is an important part of massage training.

Students may concentrate on a particular modality, or branch of massage therapy, such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, or sports massage.

In addition to postsecondary education, massage therapists may need to complete continuing education courses to keep their skills current, to learn new massage techniques, or to specialize in a specific type of massage.

To earn a license, a massage therapist usually must complete an approved training program and pass an examination.

Some states require a certain number of hours of continuing education to renew a license.

Besides formal training, a massage therapist should have strong communication skills, as they need to understand what a client wants and needs.

They should also have physical stamina and dexterity to perform the massages effectively.

 

Massage Therapist Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Massage Therapist is around $41,420 (USD) per year.

The earnings can significantly differ based on factors such as the level of experience, specialized skills, geographical location, and the employing entity.

Some therapists also receive tips from clients, which can further enhance their income.

 

Massage Therapist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a massage therapist need?

Massage therapists should have strong manual dexterity and physical stamina to be able to perform massages for extended periods.

They should also have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to understand clients’ needs and explain the procedures and benefits of massages to them.

A good understanding of human anatomy and physiology is also crucial for a massage therapist.

 

Do massage therapists need a degree?

Massage therapists don’t need a traditional degree, but they do need to complete a massage therapy program that is recognized by their state’s licensing board.

These programs usually require around 500-1000 hours of study, during which students learn about anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and different massage techniques.

 

What should you look for in a massage therapist resume?

First and foremost, ensure that the candidate is licensed to practice massage therapy in your state.

They should have completed a recognized massage therapy program and passed a state-administered exam.

Experience, especially in the type of massage your business offers, is also important.

Look for any additional certifications they may have obtained, such as sports or prenatal massage, as these can be an asset to your business.

 

What qualities make a good massage therapist?

A good massage therapist is empathetic, patient, and has excellent listening skills.

They should be able to adjust their techniques based on clients’ needs and feedback.

A good massage therapist also values continual learning and stays up-to-date with the latest techniques and trends in the field.

Professionalism, punctuality, and a clean, organized work environment are also key qualities.

 

Is it difficult to hire massage therapists?

Hiring massage therapists can be challenging due to the specialized skill set required and the demand for experienced professionals.

Offering a competitive salary, a supportive work environment, and opportunities for growth and development can make your business more attractive to potential hires.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve taken a deeper look into the intricate role of a massage therapist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about kneading muscles.

It’s about curating wellness, one massage stroke at a time.

With our comprehensive massage therapist job description template and real-world examples, you’re all equipped to embark on your new journey.

But why stop there?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate guide to creating precise job listings or polishing your resume to shine.

Remember:

Every massage stroke contributes to the overall wellness journey.

Let’s cultivate that wellness. Together.

Reasons to Become a Massage Therapist (Boost People’s Mood Daily!)

How to Become a Massage Therapist (Complete Guide)

Disadvantages of Being a Massage Therapist (Muscle Strain Struggles!)

Odd Jobs: Unbelievably Strange Ways People Make Money

The Ultimate Remote Job List: Opportunities That Pay Extremely Well!

The Cream of the Professional Crop: The Most Prestigious Jobs

Stress-Free Success: Easy Jobs That Pay More Than You’d Guess!