Massage therapists
SOC Code: 31-9011
Massage therapists carries a 39% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $57,950 and +15.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 168,000 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Massage therapists (SOC 31-9011) carries an AI exposure score of 39%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 168,000 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +15.4% change through 2034 — a strong growth outlook that compensates meaningfully for automation risk. Median annual compensation stands at $57,950, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Postsecondary nondegree award, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Massage therapists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Confer with clients about their medical histories and problems with stress or pain to determine how massage will be most helpful.
- 2. Massage and knead muscles and soft tissues of the body to provide treatment for medical conditions, injuries, or wellness maintenance.
- 3. Maintain massage areas by restocking supplies or sanitizing equipment.
- 4. Apply finger and hand pressure to specific points of the body.
- 5. Develop and propose client treatment plans that specify which types of massage are to be used.
- 6. Maintain treatment records.
- 7. Assess clients' soft tissue condition, joint quality and function, muscle strength, and range of motion.
- 8. Provide clients with guidance and information about techniques for postural improvement and stretching, strengthening, relaxation, and rehabilitative exercises.
- 9. Treat clients in professional settings or travel to clients' offices and homes.
- 10. Refer clients to other types of therapists when necessary.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Biology
- English Language
- Psychology
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Sales and Marketing
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
- Administrative
- Education and Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Massage therapists?
Massage therapists has an AI exposure score of 39%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Massage therapists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Massage therapists is projected to grow by 15.4% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 168,000 workers.
What skills are needed for Massage therapists?
Key skills for Massage therapists include Active Listening, Speaking, Social Perceptiveness, and others. Typical entry-level education is Postsecondary nondegree award.
How much do Massage therapists earn?
The median annual wage for Massage therapists is $57,950, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Massage therapists?
The typical entry-level education for Massage therapists is Postsecondary nondegree award. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Massage therapists?
Massage therapists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).