Occupation AtlasMassage Therapists
O*NET · 31-9011.00
Massage Therapists
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.
Also called BCMT · BCMT (Board Certified Massage Therapist) · Bodywork Therapist · Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) · Clinical Massage Therapist · CMT · Deep Tissue Massage Therapist · Licensed Massage Practitioner (LMP)
16 more
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) · LMP · LMT · Masseur · Masseuse · Massotherapist · Mechanotherapist · Medical Massage Practitioner · MMT · MMT (Medical Massage Therapist) · Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) · RMT · Rolfer · Soft Tissue Specialist · Spa Massage Therapist · Swedish Masseuse
Compare with another occupationCompare with Court, Municipal, and License Clerks
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
SRISocial · Realistic · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order
- S Social5.75
- R Realistic4.84
- I Investigative3.79
- C Conventional2.66
- A Artistic2.23
- E Enterprising2.10
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- None (36%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- None (33%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (41%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.5Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Service OrientationImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- MonitoringbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- Active LearningbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- WritingbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- Time ManagementImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
Show the other 23
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- CoordinationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- InstructingImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- PersuasionImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- MathematicsbasicImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- NegotiationImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- Technology DesignImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- SciencebasicImportance 1.5Level 0.8
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.3Level —
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.3Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.0Level —
- ProgrammingImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
13 core · 1 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Massage and knead muscles and soft tissues of the body to provide treatment for medical conditions, injuries, or wellness maintenance.Importance 4.9
- Apply finger and hand pressure to specific points of the body.Importance 4.8
- Confer with clients about their medical histories and problems with stress or pain to determine how massage will be most helpful.Importance 4.7
- Treat clients in professional settings or travel to clients' offices and homes.Importance 4.5
- Maintain massage areas by restocking supplies or sanitizing equipment.Importance 4.5
- Develop and propose client treatment plans that specify which types of massage are to be used.Importance 4.3
- Provide clients with guidance and information about techniques for postural improvement and stretching, strengthening, relaxation, and rehabilitative exercises.Importance 4.2
- Maintain treatment records.Importance 4.1
- Assess clients' soft tissue condition, joint quality and function, muscle strength, and range of motion.Importance 4.1
- Refer clients to other types of therapists when necessary.Importance 3.7
- Perform other adjunctive therapies or treatment techniques in addition to massage.Importance 3.6
- Consult with other health care professionals, such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, physicians, and psychologists, to develop treatment plans for clients.Importance 3.5
Show the other 2
- Prepare and blend oils and apply the blends to clients' skin.Importance 3.4
- Use complementary aids, such as infrared lamps, wet compresses, ice, and whirlpool baths to promote clients' recovery, relaxation, and well-being.Importance 2.7
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- BiologyImportance 3.1Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
- English LanguageImportance 3.1Level 2.9
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 3.0Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- PsychologyImportance 2.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 2.7Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- AdministrativeImportance 2.4Level 2.6
Show all 33
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.4Level 2.7
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.2Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.0Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- Communications and MediaImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 1.6Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.6Level —
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- MathematicsImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- ChemistryImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- PhysicsImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.4Level —
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.3Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.3Level —
- DesignImportance 1.2Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.2Level —
- TransportationImportance 1.2Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.1Level —
- GeographyImportance 1.1Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.0Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 3.8Level 3.4Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- Trunk StrengthImportance 3.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Shovel snow for half an hour
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Manual DexterityImportance 3.5Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- Finger DexterityImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
Show all 52
- StaminaImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Climb 6 flights of stairs
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Near VisionImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
- Information OrderingImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Selective AttentionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Static StrengthImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Category FlexibilityImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Written ExpressionImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- OriginalityImportance 2.6Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- MemorizationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Far VisionImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
- Time SharingImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- VisualizationImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Hand pick a bushel of apples from a tree
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 1.8Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Number FacilityImportance 1.8Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Auditory AttentionImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.5Level 0.8
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Night VisionImportance 1.1Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.1Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 4.6Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.4Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Getting InformationImportance 4.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.7Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.6Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
Show all 41
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.2Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.0Level 2.7
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.7Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.7Level 2.8
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 2.6Level 2.6
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
- Processing InformationImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Calculate the costs for shipping packages
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Check to see if baking bread is done
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 2.3Level 2.6
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.2Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.2Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Working with ComputersImportance 2.1Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.7Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.5Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.4Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.4Level —
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.3Level —
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
8 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Hot (2)
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (6)
- AppointmentQuest Online Appointment Manager
- ICS Software SammyUSA
- Land Software Customer Pro-File
- Massage Suite
- Scheduling software
- WinCity Custom Software WinCity Massage SOAP Notes
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.