Massage Therapists vs Physical Therapists salary

According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual pay for Massage Therapists is $49,260, compared to the average annual salary of $92,920 for Physical Therapists. Therefore, Massage Therapists earn a significantly lower salary than Physical Therapists.

Keep in mind, however, that the amount of pay an employee receives can be influenced by factors like location, experience, and the specific setting in which they work. For instance, Massage Therapists in Washington may have higher earnings (averaging $66,040 per annum) compared to those in Alabama ($30,750). To give another example, the average salary of Physical Therapists in Nevada is 28% higher compared to those in North Dakota.

Massage Therapists vs Physical Therapists overview

Massage Therapists and Physical Therapists are two important occupations in the Health Care Services industry. There is a common interest in understanding the differences between these job titles, as well as the average pay for each.

Massage Therapist job description

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.

Massage Therapist education and experience

The majority of Massage Therapists (73%) hold a Post-Secondary Certificate. However this occupation also includes some employees who have an Associate's Degree (12%) and a College Course Certificate (8%). When it comes to experience, about a half of Massage Therapist jobs do not require any previous experience. A smaller part of jobs (27%) require a previous experience of 6 months to 1 year.

Massage Therapist average salary

As stated by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States employed 81,030 Massage Therapists in 2021, and the mean income they earned annually was $49,260. The bottom 10 percent had earnings of $24,450 or less, and the top 10 percent had earnings of $77,600 or more. The average salary marks an increase of 4% compared the previous year.

Do Massage Therapists make good money?

The average salary of Massage Therapists is 15% lower than the average salary in the United States ($58,260). However, they earn about a third more than the average pay of the Personal and Laundry Services industry ($37,220).

The average salary of Massage Therapists is 15% lower than the average salary in the United States ($58,260).

Massage Therapists job growth

The hiring of Massage Therapists has decreased in the last two years. In 2021, there have been 4,010 less roles than the previous year nationwide, which marks a decrease of 4.7%. Job growth has averaged -7.8% for the last 3 years.

Physical Therapist job description

Physical Therapists assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.

Physical Therapist education and experience

Of Physical Therapists, about a half hold a Doctoral Degree, 38% have a Master's Degree, and 8% hold a Bachelor's Degree. When it comes to experience, about a third of Physical Therapist jobs do not require any previous experience. A smaller part of jobs (23%) require a previous experience of 1 to 2 years.

Physical Therapist average salary

According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of Physical Therapists employed by the United States in 2021 was 225,350, and the mean income they earned annually was $92,920. The bottom 10 percent had a salary of $61,930 or less, and the top 10 percent had a salary of $127,110 or more. The average salary marks an increase of 1.4% compared the previous year.

Do Physical Therapists make good money?

Physical Therapists are usually paid well, as their average salary is 59% higher than the average salary in the United States ($58,260). Moreover, they earn about a third more than the average pay of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).

Physical Therapists are usually paid well, as their average salary is 59% higher than the average salary in the United States ($58,260).

Physical Therapists job growth

In 2021, there have been 4,480 more Physical Therapist roles than the previous year nationwide, which marks a growth of 2%. Job growth has averaged -0.4% for the last 3 years.

FAQ

Do Massage Therapists or Physical Therapists make more?

The average earnings of Physical Therapists are 89% higher than those of Massage Therapists. On average, Massage Therapists make $49,260 per year, while Physical Therapists make $92,920.

How long does it take to become a Massage Therapist vs Physical Therapist?

Massage Therapists typically need a Post-Secondary Certificate. It usually takes between 1 year and 2 years to complete a Post-Secondary Certificate. While on the other hand, Physical Therapists typically need a Doctoral Degree. It usually takes between 4 years and 6 years to complete a Doctoral Degree. And, given that a Master's Degree is a prerequisite, it could take around 13 years to complete the full educational process.

Is it harder to become a Massage Therapist vs Physical Therapist?

Becoming a Physical Therapist is much more difficult than becoming a Massage Therapist, since an additional 11 years of education are required.