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Massage Therapists Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Massage Therapists make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$45,970
Median Annual Salary
▼ -5.1% vs 2024
$55,630
Mean Salary
$45,970
Median Salary
$22.10
Hourly Rate
14,600 people work as Massage Therapists in California

Massage Therapists salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Massage Therapists salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Massage Therapists in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $34,320$34,32025th25% earn less than $35,170$35,170MedianHalf earn more than $45,970$45,97075th75% earn less than $64,130$64,13090thTop 10% earn more than $89,880$89,880

Massage Therapists in California earn a median salary of $45,970 per year ($3,830/month). This is 23.7% below the national average of $60,275. California ranks #45 out of 50 states for Massage Therapists pay. Approximately 14,600 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries decreased by 5.1% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Massage Therapists

Perform therapeutic massages of soft tissues and joints. May assist in the assessment of range of motion and muscle strength, or propose client therapy plans.

Top Skills

Active Listening
3.62
Speaking
3.62
Social Perceptiveness
3.25
Service Orientation
3.25
Judgment and Decision Making
3.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.58
Biology
3.31
English Language
3.31
Psychology
3.27
Medicine and Dentistry
3.08
Typical Education: Post-Secondary Certificate (73.1% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Massage Therapists in California

Salaries for Massage Therapists in California range from $34,320 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $89,880 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $35,170 and $64,130.

Median $45,970
P10: $34,320 P25: $35,170 P75: $64,130 P90: $89,880
10th
$34,320
25th
$35,170
Median
$45,970
75th
$64,130
90th
$89,880
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $34,320 $16.50 $2,860
25th Percentile $35,170 $16.91 $2,930
Median (50th) $45,970 $22.10 $3,830
75th Percentile $64,130 $30.83 $5,344
90th Percentile (Experienced) $89,880 $43.21 $7,490

Note: The mean (average) salary of $55,630 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#45
California ranks #45 of 50 states
$60,275
National avg. for Massage Therapists
-23.7%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in California:

What does this salary really buy? See Massage Therapists salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Massage Therapists take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Massage Therapists Data in California

Massage Therapists Salary by State

Compare Massage Therapists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Massage Therapists make in California?
The median annual salary for Massage Therapists in California is $45,970 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $55,630.
What is the salary range for a Massage Therapists in California?
Salaries for Massage Therapists in California range from $34,320 at the 10th percentile to $89,880 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $35,170 and $64,130.
What is the starting salary for a Massage Therapists in California?
Entry-level Massage Therapists positions in California typically start around $34,320 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $35,170 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Massage Therapists in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 14,600 people are employed as Massage Therapists in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Massage Therapists in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Massage Therapists in California is approximately $22.10 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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