As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) in the United States is $49,600. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $37,182 to a high of $62,782, with most professionals earning between $43,100 and $56,500.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $56,500 | $4,708 | $1,087 | $27 |
| Average | $49,600 | $4,133 | $954 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,100 | $3,592 | $829 | $21 |
An entry-level Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) with less than 1 year of experience earns about $47,466. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $47,660. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $48,436. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $49,600, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $51,866.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) | $47,466 |
| Intermediate Level Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) | $47,660 |
| Senior Level Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) | $48,436 |
| Specialist Level Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) | $49,600 |
| Expert Level Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) | $51,866 |
| Entry Level | 4% |
| Mid Level | 4% |
| Senior Level | 2% |
| Top Level | 0% |
| Experienced | 5% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $55,644 in 2023 to approximately $55,899 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $49,600 | 69.8% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $3,794 | 5.3% | ||
| 401K/403B | $2,331 | 3.3% | ||
| Disability | $397 | 0.6% | ||
| Healthcare | $6,056 | 8.5% | ||
| Pension | $2,728 | 3.8% | ||
| Time Off | $6,105 | 8.6% | ||
| Total Compensation | $71,011 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.8% |
| High School | 61.8% |
| Associates | 22.4% |
| Bachelors | 12.3% |
| Masters | 2.3% |
| Doctorate | 0.4% |
What Am I Worth?
The number of massages a therapist should do in a day varies based on availability and scheduling preferences. Most full-time Certified Massage Therapists (CMT) typically see around five clients daily. With an average salary ranging from $52,800 to $67,800, this workload can be financially rewarding, especially with sessions lasting between 60 and 90 minutes.
With a CMT certification, you can pursue various roles in the financial sector, such as technical analyst positions at investment banks, stock brokerage firms, mutual fund companies, and hedge funds. The salary for Certified Massage Therapists typically ranges from $52,800 to $67,800, with a median salary of around $59,000, reflecting the value of this expertise.
Beginner massage therapists, or Certified Massage Therapists (CMTs), typically earn between $52,800 and $67,800 annually, with a mid-salary of around $59,000. This range reflects entry-level positions, which may vary based on location and experience. Overall, the compensation is competitive for those starting in the field.
The number of massages a therapist should do daily varies based on availability and scheduling preferences. Most full-time Certified Massage Therapists (CMT) typically see around five clients a day. With salaries ranging from $52,800 to $67,800, the income can be substantial, especially with appointments lasting between 60 and 90 minutes.
While a massage therapy license is legally required, certification as a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) is voluntary and can enhance career prospects. CMTs often qualify for higher-paying positions, with salaries ranging from $52,800 to $67,800, depending on experience and location. Many states provide certificate programs to support this advancement.
Summary: The CMT can absolutely be worth it. While earning the designation requires commitment, it offers a promising career path with a salary range from $52,800 to $67,800. This certification not only enhances your earning potential but also contributes to a better work-life balance, making it a valuable investment in your future.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
