Number of U.S. Massage Therapists
Grows 27 Percent in Two Years

The number of U.S. massage therapists jumped 27.9 percent from 2004 to 2006, according to a massage-association report. Also in the organization’s report, released on May 18, is the assertion that the massage industry generates $7-10 billion annually.

Practitioner ranks grew from 188,527 to 241,058 over two years, according to an Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) analysis of state licensing lists, professional membership rolls, certifications and geographic variables.

ABMP member studies indicate that massage therapy is often a second or third career for practitioners, and attracts those who want independence and a sense of fulfillment in their work. State-approved massage-therapy schools have nearly doubled to 1,500 schools from 2000 to 2004.

Massage therapists are concentrated in the Southwest, Northwest, Northeast, Florida and Hawaii, according to ABMP’s research. California leads with 33,658 massage therapists; Wyoming has the fewest, with 459. Hawaii has the greatest concentration of therapists, with one for every 240 residents.

"Consumer demand and growth in types of massage and bodywork have made massage therapy an attractive career choice," said ABMP President Les Sweeney. "Consumers receive 120 million to 135 million massage sessions annually."

ABMP calculated the average 2005 member-client contact hours per week of 15.4, at an average rate of $60 per hour, to yield an annual 182 million sessions, ABMP spokesperson Nora Brunner told MASSAGE Magazine.

“Some therapists have either overreported income or provided free or discounted services, so the figure has been revised downward,” she said. “The 120 million to 135 million annual massage sessions represent $6.5 billion to $8.8 billion, with remaining dollars collected accruing to spa owners, landlords [and] medical professionals providing space and referrals.”

Also factored in are training, equipment, services and marketing to reach the $7-10 billion figure, Brunner said.