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Prenatal Massage Certification, Training, and Careers

pregnant woman having a fetal stomach massage

Prenatal massage focuses on the special needs of women as their bodies undergo the many dramatic changes that occur during pregnancy. From stress reduction to improved circulation, prenatal massage can make a significant difference to the wellness of a mother-to-be.

Learn why prenatal massage training is essential to ensuring that a massage therapist understands the unique techniques and comforts that this modality requires, by reading the career and education information below.

Career Overview

A prenatal massage addresses a wide range of health issues, from physical concerns to emotional ones.

Therapists combine their prenatal massage training, experience and patient health information to decide on the right path for treatment.

With knowledge of the specific positioning recommendations and safety concerns for pregnant women, prenatal massage therapists can help alleviate a number of conditions that affect pregnant women, including these:

  • Back pain
  • Joint pain
  • Edema or swelling
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Muscle tension and headaches
  • Sciatic nerve pain
  • Reduced circulation

Training and Education

Classes in prenatal massage training typically come in the form of electives, continuing education or advanced training workshops available at massage therapy schools.

What You’ll Study in Prenatal Massage Therapy School

You can expect prenatal massage training course work to cover the following:

  • Anatomy and physiology of the pregnant body
  • Safe massage positioning for pregnant women
  • Pregnancy massage techniques
  • Precautions and contraindications to support healthy pregnancies
  • Physical, emotional and practical concerns of pregnant women
  • Hands-on practice

Average Length of Study

Prenatal massage certification programs usually provide 24 to 32 hours of training spread over the course of three to four full days of classes. Some prenatal massage training workshops require an additional number of hours of hands-on pregnancy massage practice after you complete the program in order to become certified.

Average Tuition

Tuition for prenatal massage training ranges from $450 to $750 for a certification workshop. A typical curriculum will include massage training for the prenatal period, labor and birth, and postpartum.

Prenatal Massage Certification

Many massage therapy schools cover prenatal massage as part of their overall curriculum. However, earning prenatal massage certification requires specific training through a certification workshop.

In addition to class time, students typically must pass a written or hands-on practice exam and, as mentioned above, perform a specific number of prenatal massage hours outside of massage therapy school to complete prenatal massage certification. Learn more about massage therapy certification.

Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) 2023 Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of massage therapists, in general, will grow at the much faster than average rate of 18.3% through 2032.

The country’s continued interest in wellness care and the increasing acceptance of massage therapy as a complementary treatment to allopathic medicine will play a significant role in the career outlook for prenatal massage therapists in the coming decade.

Prenatal Massage Therapy Salary

According to the BLS, salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience and a variety of other factors. Search salaries for your state here.

Massage Therapists

National data

Median Salary: $55,310

Projected job growth: 18.3%

10th Percentile: $32,240

25th Percentile: $41,600

75th Percentile: $74,970

90th Percentile: $95,700

Projected job growth: 18.3%

State data

State Median Salary Bottom 10% Top 10%
Alabama $41,920 $20,870 $77,930
Alaska $88,830 $51,530 $163,240
Arizona $60,880 $36,000 $101,000
Arkansas $38,070 $23,890 $106,240
California $45,400 $32,240 $101,470
Colorado $56,110 $45,750 $82,070
Connecticut $59,890 $31,200 $89,730
Delaware N/A N/A N/A
District of Columbia $59,900 $50,650 $64,200
Florida $48,940 $32,110 $73,210
Georgia $58,100 $29,040 $104,000
Hawaii N/A N/A N/A
Idaho $68,960 $40,790 $82,250
Illinois $60,670 $29,500 $93,400
Indiana $58,300 $30,470 $80,900
Iowa $63,060 $40,420 $104,000
Kansas $48,120 $29,550 $77,650
Kentucky $63,780 $42,300 $90,150
Louisiana $62,870 $26,010 $77,480
Maine $52,000 $30,160 $90,480
Maryland $56,960 $35,550 $104,010
Massachusetts $61,280 $34,470 $101,170
Michigan $61,950 $34,070 $86,900
Minnesota $62,770 $45,900 $93,190
Mississippi $39,980 $24,980 $118,420
Missouri $52,770 $25,980 $104,000
Montana $59,400 $22,260 $82,840
Nebraska $59,910 $38,300 $91,150
Nevada $44,730 $23,800 $85,020
New Hampshire $72,960 $54,020 $101,370
New Jersey $56,380 $42,300 $124,880
New Mexico $62,470 $24,960 $96,920
New York $50,210 $35,450 $112,720
North Carolina $61,570 $36,720 $93,850
North Dakota $53,450 $28,060 $79,640
Ohio $51,100 $32,360 $74,540
Oklahoma $41,600 $28,410 $58,740
Oregon $82,170 $38,140 $98,880
Pennsylvania $56,780 $40,180 $79,070
Rhode Island $56,160 $45,760 $69,100
South Carolina $47,640 $21,160 $78,230
South Dakota $46,540 $37,100 $61,090
Tennessee $49,480 $25,570 $70,130
Texas $49,550 $27,110 $79,710
Utah $59,780 $32,930 $109,030
Vermont $94,620 $27,410 $119,790
Virginia $52,030 $29,490 $79,680
Washington $79,700 $56,860 $109,320
West Virginia $31,080 $24,950 $77,380
Wisconsin $55,950 $21,840 $88,400
Wyoming N/A N/A N/A

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.

Learn more about the massage therapist salary.

Is a Prenatal Massage Therapy Career Right for You?

A career in prenatal massage requires advanced massage therapy school training and a high level of understanding, compassion, and communication when it comes to listening to and providing for the comfort and health needs of pregnant women.

In addition, you will need some core business skills to help you build and market your prenatal massage therapy practice.

If you are interested in a prenatal massage therapy career, take a closer look at prenatal massage training schools by clicking the Find Schools button. Then choose the prenatal massage certification program that meets your personal and professional needs.

Sources: American Pregnancy Association, PregnancyToday.com