We surveyed 4,010 massage therapists to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical massage therapist. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a massage therapist?
Low
High
Working as a massage therapist typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.
Can I learn to become a massage therapist?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a massage therapist typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a massage therapist?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically not very difficult to find a job as a massage therapist. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for massage therapists.
Do massage therapists work full-time or part-time?
46% of massage therapists work in full-time roles while 54% work part-time.
Is being a massage therapist stressful?
Low
High
Massage therapists tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as a massage therapist?
Low
High
Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being a massage therapist.
How competitive is the workplace for massage therapists?
Low
High
Massage therapists see mild competition in their workplace.
Does being a massage therapist require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for massage therapists.
Are massage therapists allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Massage therapists are afforded a certain level of ability to express themselves creatively, compared to other careers.
Do massage therapists have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
Massage therapists have high flexibility in the direction of their work, allowing them a lot of freedom in how they accomplish their goals.
Is being a massage therapist physically demanding?
Low
High
Being a massage therapist requires significant physical work, and is not a career for those unable to perform continuous and/or strenuous physical activity.
Are massage therapists exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
Massage therapists tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.
Does being a massage therapist require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a massage therapist.
Does being a good massage therapist require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
Strong compassion and empathy are critical to success as a massage therapist.