Research resource
Massage therapy statistics in the United States
A practical, source-linked collection of current data on how Americans use massage therapy and how the profession is changing.
This page brings together recent U.S. data from the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the American Massage Therapy Association. It is designed to make reputable numbers easier to find, quote, and verify.
10.9%
U.S. adult use
U.S. adults who used massage therapy in 2022
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health reports that 10.9% of U.S. adults used massage therapy in 2022. The same national survey measured 4.8% in 2002.
Source: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Health Interview Survey, published 202453.4%
Pain management
Massage users who used it for pain in 2022
Among U.S. adults who used massage therapy, 53.4% reported using it for pain management in 2022. In 2002, that figure was 39.2%.
Source: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Health Interview Survey, published 202479%
Recent massage reason
Consumers whose last massage was for health, wellness, or stress
In the 12 months ending June 2025, 49% of surveyed consumers said health or wellness was the primary reason for their last massage and 30% said stress-related reasons.
Source: American Massage Therapy Association consumer research, 12 months ending June 202571%
Health or medical use
Massage consumers who used massage for a health or medical reason
The American Massage Therapy Association reports that 71% of massage consumers used massage for a health or medical reason in the 12 months ending June 2025.
Source: American Massage Therapy Association consumer research, 12 months ending June 2025155,400
U.S. jobs
Massage therapist jobs in the United States in 2025
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics counted about 155,400 massage therapist jobs in 2025. Its occupational profile reports that 36% of massage therapists were self-employed.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025 employment data$58,450
Median annual wage
Median annual wage for massage therapists in May 2025
The median annual wage for massage therapists was $58,450 in May 2025. The Bureau of Labor Statistics defines the median as the point where half of workers earned more and half earned less.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025 wage data15%
Projected growth
Projected employment growth from 2025 to 2035
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects massage therapist employment to grow 15% from 2025 to 2035, from 155,400 jobs to 179,100 jobs.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025 to 2035 employment projections20,400
Annual openings
Average projected openings per year from 2025 to 2035
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an average of 20,400 openings for massage therapists each year over the 2025 to 2035 decade.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025 to 2035 employment projectionsHow these statistics were selected
Figures are included only when a named source publishes both the number and the time period it represents. Government survey and labor data are used for national participation, employment, pay, and projections. Consumer-research figures are identified as survey results from the American Massage Therapy Association.
Massage therapy can support comfort and well-being for many people, but statistics about use do not establish that a treatment is right for every person or replace individualized medical advice.
Cite this page
For articles, school work, or resource lists, cite the specific statistic and its linked original source whenever possible.
KNOTherapy Massage. “Massage Therapy Statistics in the United States.” Updated September 2, 2026. https://knotherapymassage.com/massage-therapy-statistics
Looking for a massage in Derry or Hudson?
Explore personalized massage options, then choose a session that gives you the time and focus you need.
Explore the Massage Menu