Find a Job You Really Want In
Massage therapists play a crucial role in the healthcare and wellness industries across the United States. This profession is not limited to just a few regions; rather, massage therapists are found in every state, contributing to the diverse landscape of job opportunities.
As the demand for massage therapy continues to grow, we at Zippia sought to identify which states offer the most favorable conditions for massage therapists. This includes job availability, competitive salaries, and overall career growth potential.
By analyzing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we compiled a list highlighting the best states for massage therapists in 2026.
These states represent the top choices for massage therapists seeking not only a job but a fulfilling career.
Curious about how we arrived at this ranking? Read on to learn about our research methodology and gain insights into the top ten states for massage therapists.
For additional resources, check out our insights on the job market:
- Best Companies To Work For In Seattle, WA
- These Are The 10 Companies That Are Hiring The Most In Seattle
- These Are The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Seattle
How We Determined The Best States To Be A Massage Therapist
At Zippia, we engage with various professionals across the job market. Our research shows that two key factors drive job satisfaction:
- Job Availability
- Competitive Pay
To determine the best states for massage therapists, we analyzed the job market for both availability and compensation. Our criteria were based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics for 2023:
- Location Quotient: A measure of how common the job is within a specific state.
- Average Annual Salary.
- Average Annual Salary for Entry-Level Positions.
- Average Annual Salary for Experienced Professionals.
To ensure a fair comparison of salaries across different states, we adjusted the salary data based on the state’s cost of living. This method allows us to accurately reflect how far each salary goes in terms of living expenses.
After ranking each state across all criteria from 1 to 50, where 1 is the best, we calculated an overall Job Score. The state with the lowest Job Score earns the title of the best state for massage therapists in the U.S.
Now, let’s explore what makes each of these states stand out for massage therapists.
1. Washington
Total Jobs: 4,830
Average Annual Salary: $62,520
Average Entry Level Salary: $38,290
Average Experienced Salary: $82,350
Location Quotient: 2.04
2. Oregon
Total Jobs: 2,290
Average Annual Salary: $64,360
Average Entry Level Salary: $33,910
Average Experienced Salary: $95,540
Location Quotient: 1.67
3. Texas
Total Jobs: 8,670
Average Annual Salary: $49,100
Average Entry Level Salary: $20,790
Average Experienced Salary: $91,350
Location Quotient: 0.99
4. Minnesota
Total Jobs: 2,280
Average Annual Salary: $52,910
Average Entry Level Salary: $23,230
Average Experienced Salary: $89,140
Location Quotient: 1.09
5. Indiana
Total Jobs: 1,390
Average Annual Salary: $48,650
Average Entry Level Salary: $24,600
Average Experienced Salary: $115,020
Location Quotient: 0.63
6. Idaho
Total Jobs: 290
Average Annual Salary: $50,560
Average Entry Level Salary: $28,140
Average Experienced Salary: $83,030
Location Quotient: 0.56
7. Kentucky
Total Jobs: 710
Average Annual Salary: $52,960
Average Entry Level Salary: $29,730
Average Experienced Salary: $80,410
Location Quotient: 0.52
8. Alaska
Total Jobs: 540
Average Annual Salary: $82,280
Average Entry Level Salary: $21,600
Average Experienced Salary: $129,440
Location Quotient: 2.34
9. Colorado
Total Jobs: 5,270
Average Annual Salary: $46,190
Average Entry Level Salary: $22,950
Average Experienced Salary: $70,970
Location Quotient: 2.77
10. Florida
Total Jobs: 9,620
Average Annual Salary: $46,240
Average Entry Level Salary: $19,320
Average Experienced Salary: $89,610
Location Quotient: 1.54
There You Have It – The Best States To Be A Massage Therapist
If you’re launching your career as a massage therapist, these states should be at the forefront of your job search. They offer competitive salaries, ample job opportunities, and strong potential for career advancement.
For those interested, here are the least favorable states for massage therapists in America:
For further exploration, check out:
- These Are The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Washington
- These Are The 100 Largest Companies In Washington
Detailed List Of The Best States For Massage Therapists
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $62,520 |
| 2 | Oregon | $64,360 |
| 3 | Texas | $49,100 |
| 4 | Minnesota | $52,910 |
| 5 | Indiana | $48,650 |
| 6 | Idaho | $50,560 |
| 7 | Kentucky | $52,960 |
| 8 | Alaska | $82,280 |
| 9 | Colorado | $46,190 |
| 10 | Florida | $46,240 |
| 11 | Illinois | $46,340 |
| 12 | Nebraska | $45,340 |
| 13 | Michigan | $42,710 |
| 14 | Arizona | $42,340 |
| 15 | Tennessee | $44,190 |
| 16 | North Carolina | $41,560 |
| 17 | Arkansas | $41,890 |
| 18 | Iowa | $40,030 |
| 19 | Utah | $40,880 |
| 20 | Oklahoma | $41,770 |
| 21 | Massachusetts | $53,750 |
| 22 | Wisconsin | $42,440 |
| 23 | Montana | $46,500 |
| 24 | Wyoming | $43,060 |
| 25 | New Mexico | $42,260 |
| 26 | Vermont | $44,580 |
| 27 | New Hampshire | $47,360 |
| 28 | Pennsylvania | $42,730 |
| 29 | Maine | $43,450 |
| 30 | Ohio | $39,370 |
| 31 | South Carolina | $41,440 |
| 32 | Missouri | $37,100 |
| 33 | New York | $52,830 |
| 34 | Georgia | $37,210 |
| 35 | New Jersey | $44,610 |
| 36 | West Virginia | $34,750 |
| 37 | Hawaii | $61,750 |
| 38 | North Dakota | $39,640 |
| 39 | Connecticut | $43,170 |
| 40 | Virginia | $38,990 |
| 41 | Nevada | $29,620 |
| 42 | South Dakota | $34,350 |
| 43 | California | $41,460 |
| 44 | Maryland | $42,430 |
| 45 | Alabama | $34,890 |
| 46 | Rhode Island | $40,970 |
| 47 | Kansas | $29,370 |
| 48 | Mississippi | $29,080 |
| 49 | Louisiana | $30,060 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
