How many hours is full time for a massage therapist?

Author: Ward Hand II  |  Last update: Sunday, September 7, 2025

Therapists who massage anywhere from 15 to 30 hours per week are often considered as full-time workers, because when the time for commute, for setting up equipment and for performing business functions (e.g., billing, scheduling an appointment and maintaining records) are added, their time per week may be over 40 hours ...

What is considered full-time for massage therapy?

“Fulltime for a massage therapist is technically less than 40 hours per week because of the nature of our job,” says Lisa McNeil, M.

How many hours a week should a massage therapist work?

Most average about 25 hours per week. May have a regular or flexible schedule. Most work an irregular schedule. May travel to different locations for work.

How many massages should a therapist do a day?

Massage therapy sessions

How many appointments you have in a day depends on your availability and scheduling preferences, but most full-time therapists will see around five clients a day with massage appointments typically lasting between 60 and 90 minutes.

How long do most massage therapists last?

Various sources report the average lifespan of a massage therapy career is 5-7 years, but it's possible to have a successful career that lasts a few decades. What's the difference between 5 years and 30 years? Continuing education, self-care, and autonomy.

Massage Timing for a 1 Hour Full Body Session

What is the burnout rate for massage therapists?

It is estimated that 50-88% of all massage therapists burn out within 3 to 5 years of their career. 3 to 5 years!

How old are most massage therapists?

Currently 30% of massage therapists are between 30 and 40 years old and 53% of massage therapists are over 40 years old. By 2024, one in four massage therapists will be older than age 55, if they stay in the massage field. About 23,000 openings for massage therapists are projected each year.

What are the busiest days for massage therapists?

While Friday is a popular appointment day across beauty and wellness businesses, massage therapy businesses are unique in their weekend popularity. For example, other spa appointment types (like injectables and fillers) are more common earlier in the week, with Tuesday and Wednesday being the busiest days.

What are the symptoms of burnout in massage therapists?

According to research on the experience of burnout, there are 3 primary symptoms.
  • Exhaustion: wearing out, loss of energy, feeling depleted.
  • Cynicism: irritability, loss of idealism, negative attitude.
  • Inefficacy: reduced productivity, low morale, inability to cope.

Why did I quit massage therapy?

I was not prepared for the awful experience of working as a massage therapist. My clients were demanding and often creepy, thinking it was okay to cross my boundaries. The last client I saw was so awful that I gave up massage therapy completely.

What is the top pay for a massage therapist?

Highest paying cities for Massage Therapists near United States
  • New York, NY. $50.44 per hour. 401 salaries reported.
  • Boulder, CO. $48.54 per hour. 63 salaries reported.
  • Los Angeles, CA. $42.89 per hour. 236 salaries reported.
  • Chicago, IL. $42.19 per hour. ...
  • Salt Lake City, UT. $42.02 per hour. ...
  • Show more nearby cities.

Can you make a living as a massage therapist?

The average annual salary for massage therapists in the United States is around $47,180. Still, by implementing targeted strategies, you can more than double this figure and join the ranks of top salary earners in the industry.

How much is an hour massage worth?

What's The Average Cost Of Massage Therapy? The cost of massage therapy can vary depending on several factors, such as location, type of massage, and experience level of the therapist. On average, a massage typically ranges from $50 to $150 per hour. Specialty massages or add-on services can also affect the price.

Is being a massage therapist worth it?

There are a lot of great things about being a massage therapist, like the fulfillment that comes from helping people, flexible hours, and professional autonomy. On the flipside, it's hard to build a client base without experience, and you only get paid when you have clients on your table.

What is considered full-time for a therapist?

Full-time work is typically seen as 40 hours per week, but you may work 35 or so hours and still be full-time. For example, in a report from the American Psychological Association, full-time clinical psychologists reported working an average of 36 hours a week (with most time spent on direct clinical care).

What is the weekly schedule of a massage therapist?

There is no Typical Day in the Life of a Massage Therapist

Mela's work week consists of three days on, usually with three sessions per workday. She sets her own schedule. “90-minute sessions are usually what client's book, however two-hour sessions are my favorite,” she shared.

How do massage therapists not get tired?

Always find ways to take care of yourself before and after your massage therapy. This can include doing breathwork, meditating, eating complete and healthy meals & snacks, making sure you're hydrated and taking the time to stretch in between clients.

Why did I cry after my massage?

Massage induces biochemical and energetic shifts by alleviating physical tension. This release can stir emotions and lead to tears, signaling a healthy, natural process of stress relief and emotional balance.

How stressful is being a massage therapist?

If you are interested in a low-stress career, massage therapy is a fantastic and value-added option. Massage therapists work in relaxing, serene environments that cultivate a safe, calm, and peaceful space for clients. As such, it is an incredibly calm, peaceful, and pleasant environment to work in.

How many hours do most massage therapists work?

Massage therapists often work less than 40 hours per week due to the physical nature of the job and the time required between sessions. Massage therapists who work 15 to 30 hours a week on average consider themselves to be full-time employees.

What is the most requested massage?

Swedish massage is arguably considered the most popular massage type, appearing on a majority of spa menus worldwide. This Western massage utilizes the following techniques—effleurage (stroking), friction (rubbing), petrissage (kneading) and tapotement (rhythmic choppings)—for a truly relaxing spa treatment experience.

What age group gets the most massages?

Consumers 65 and over got an average of 3.8 massages in 2020, the highest of any age group. Younger consumers (18-34) were the most likely to use massage, with 34% of this age group getting a massage in 2020.

Is 40 too old to be a massage therapist?

With that in mind, sounds like a job massage therapy is tailor-made for a midlife career change. Better yet, there is no age limit on massage therapists. That means you are never too old to begin a career in massage therapy.

Why is there a massage therapist shortage?

Like many professions, massage therapists have benefited from a strong economy. However, the growing demand for these professionals has left a national shortage of trained massage therapists. There simply aren't enough qualified massage practitioners to fill the available jobs across the country.

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