By: Natural Healers Staff
Updated: January 26, 2026
Massage Therapy Degree and Career Guide
- Becoming a Massage Therapist
- Massage Therapy Schooling
- Online Programs
- Massage School Accreditation
- School Tuition
- State Boards of Massage
- Types of Massage
- Massage Therapist Duties
- Massage Therapist Salary
Massage Therapist Salary State Guides
Massage Therapist Salary in California
One of the best reasons to become a massage therapist in California is the strong demand paired with the state’s wellness-oriented culture. California has a thriving market for holistic health services, driven by a large population that values self-care, stress relief and alternative therapies. This creates abundant job opportunities in spas, wellness centers, medical clinics and private practice. With relatively flexible licensing requirements compared to other healthcare fields, massage therapy offers a rewarding, hands-on career with the potential for autonomy, meaningful client connections and a healthy work-life balance—all within a state that actively embraces wellness and innovation.
In this Article
Quick view
There are 15,240 people employed as massage therapists in California says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), making California the number one state for employment of massage therapists in the U.S. The median wage per hour is $23 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 15.4%.
While many massage therapists in California operate independently, several prominent employers offer substantial opportunities within the state. Here are five notable organizations known for employing massage therapists in California:
- Massage Envy, Multiple locations, CA.
- As the largest provider of therapeutic massage and skincare services in the U.S., Massage Envy operates numerous franchised locations throughout California. Their expansive network offers consistent employment opportunities for massage therapists across the state.
- Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, Multiple locations, CA.
- With multiple locations in California, Hand & Stone provides a range of massage and facial services. They frequently seek licensed massage therapists to join their teams, offering both full-time and part-time positions.
- Elements Massage, Multiple locations, CA.
- Elements Massage has several studios across California, including in Costa Mesa. They are known for their focus on personalized massage therapy and often hire therapists to cater to their growing clientele.
- Burke Williams Day Spa, San Francisco, San Jose, Orange, Multiple locations, CA.
- A luxury spa chain founded in California, Burke Williams has been a significant employer of certified massage therapists for nearly 40 years. Their spas are located in various cities, offering upscale environments for both clients and therapists.
- Zeel Healthcare at Home, Statewide, CA.
- Zeel is a platform that connects clients with licensed massage therapists for in-home or in-office sessions. In California, Zeel partners with therapists to provide services, including treatments for veterans through the VA Community Care Network.
California has a thriving market for massage therapist services, driven by a large population that values self-care, stress relief and alternative therapies.
Salary statistics for CA
California offers some of the most competitive salaries for massage therapists in the U.S., largely due to its high demand, high cost of living and wellness-focused culture. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2024, some of California’s metro areas are among the top-paying cities for massage therapists, with Chico taking the number seven spot (paying much higher than the national median at over $84,000 per year), and metropolitan areas such as San Francisco, San Diego and Los Angeles paying more to counter the cost of living.
In terms of work environment, self-employment tends to offer the highest income potential, especially for therapists who establish a loyal clientele and operate in high-demand areas. Self-employed massage therapists can set their own rates—often significantly higher than what spas or franchises offer—especially if they specialize in modalities like sports massage, medical massage or prenatal therapy.
Other environments that offer higher salaries
- Medical clinics and chiropractic offices also offer strong pay, particularly for those with training in rehabilitative or therapeutic massage. These roles may provide steadier hours and access to benefits.
- High-end spas and resorts can be lucrative as well, particularly in affluent areas or tourist destinations, but income can be more tip-dependent and variable.
- Franchise spas, such as Massage Envy or Hand & Stone generally offer lower base pay but consistent client flow and benefits such as insurance or continuing education credits.
Median massage therapist salary in California
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for massage therapists in California is around $48,430, with variations depending on location, experience and specialization. Entry-level massage therapists may earn less while they begin to build their practices, and experienced practitioners in high-demand locations may earn significantly more.
Compare California’s median annual massage therapist salary with the median national salary for massage therapists—which is $57,950 a year—and you can see, while California pays substantially it is considerably below the national median for the profession. Surprisingly, Alaska pays massage therapists the highest median annual salaries in the U.S., however, here are salaries specific to California:
Massage Therapists
10%$34,000
25%$35,440
50%$48,430Median
75%$76,080
90%$101,390
Median Hourly Wage$23
Job growth15.4%
Total Employment15,240
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chico, CA | $84,840 | $33,280 | $97,810 |
| Salinas, CA | $59,630 | $33,660 | $146,240 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $59,440 | $33,280 | $88,390 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $58,790 | $34,720 | $107,860 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $56,790 | $34,160 | $110,480 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $56,720 | $38,090 | $95,070 |
| Vallejo, CA | $52,000 | $35,080 | $93,290 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $49,820 | $33,280 | $100,910 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $49,030 | $33,280 | $96,670 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $48,820 | $33,310 | $102,660 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. 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.
Take a look at how salaries compare for fields that are similar to massage therapy:
Salary range for a massage therapist in California
The salary range for massage therapists in California typically spans from $34,000 for the lowest 10% in the field to $101,390 for the highest 10% in the field per year. The lowest 10% typically includes entry-level massage therapists with little experience or working part-time, while the highest 10% includes those with extensive experience, advanced certifications or who work in high-paying environments like private practice or medical settings.
Pay by metro area within California
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. For example, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, say for example you work in business and you live in a city that has several high profile corporate businesses or healthcare industries, pay may be more competitive.
Notably, the Chico metropolitan area stands out, making it the highest-paying metro area for massage therapists in the state. This elevated wage in Chico may be attributed to a combination of factors, including a higher demand for massage therapy services, a lower supply of therapists relative to demand and the presence of healthcare facilities or wellness centers that offer competitive compensation. Here are the top 10 metro areas for massage therapists by pay in the U.S.
Salary growth and job outlook
Job growth for massage therapists in California is expected to surpass the national average for the field, which is already higher than the average job growth rate for all professions combined, said the BLS.
15.4%
Job growth for massage therapists through 2034 according to the BLS
O*Net, which is a subsidiary of the BLS, said that California’s job growth rate for massage therapists will be 22% through 2032, which will add approximately 3,750 massage therapists to the existing field.
Factors that may affect massage therapist salaries in CA
Several elements contribute to the variation in massage therapist salaries across California’s metro areas and the state in general. Here are some contributing factors:
- Cost of living:
- Areas with a higher cost of living often offer higher wages to compensate for increased expenses.
- Demand for services:
- Regions with a strong emphasis on wellness and alternative therapies may have a higher demand for massage therapists, potentially leading to increased wages.
- Employment setting:
- Massage therapists working in medical settings or operating their own practices may earn more than those employed in spas or franchise establishments.
- Experience and specialty:
- Therapists with specialized skills or certifications may command higher rates.
Education path for CA MTs
Here’s a brief overview of the education and licensing path to become a massage therapist in California:
Complete your education:
- Enroll in a California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC)-approved massage therapy program.
- You must complete at least 500 hours of education/training, including core subjects like anatomy, physiology, ethics and hands-on techniques.
Pass a background check and fingerprinting:
- Undergo a Live Scan fingerprint background check as part of the licensing process.
Apply for certification:
- Submit an application to the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) for Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) status.
- CAMTC is the official body that certifies massage therapists in California.
Maintain your certification:
- Certification must be renewed every two years, often requiring proof of continuing education.
Cost of living in California
California ranks as the third-most expensive state in the U.S., with a cost of living index of 144.8, significantly above the national average of 100. This means the state, on average, has a 44% higher cost of living than other states. This elevated cost is largely driven by housing, which is more than double the national average, along with high transportation and utility expenses.
In contrast, Chico, which pays massage therapists the highest salary in the state, offers a more affordable living environment. Its cost of living index stands at 110.3, making it about 10% higher than the national average but approximately 26% lower than the California state average. Housing in Chico is notably less expensive than in major California cities, contributing to its relative affordability.
The higher average salary for massage therapists in Chico may be attributed to a combination of factors, including local demand for wellness services and a cost of living that, while higher than the national average, is still more manageable than in other parts of California.
California resources for massage therapists
California hosts some professional organizations that support massage therapists through certification, advocacy, education and community engagement:
American Massage Therapy Association – California Chapter (AMTA-CA): The AMTA California Chapter is part of a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the massage therapy profession. It offers members benefits like liability insurance, continuing education and legislative advocacy.
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP): ABMP is a national organization that provides resources such as liability insurance, continuing education and business tools. It supports massage therapists, bodyworkers, students and educators across the U.S., including those in California.
This massage therapist salary guide for California aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the profession. This guide may be used as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.