Massage Therapist salary in California
A strong career option in California — with programs that take 6 to 12 months to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$45,970/ yr
$3,831 / mo · $22.10 / hr
Pay by experience
Entry
$34,320
Median
$45,970
Experienced
$89,877
Demand
High
Program length
6 to 12 months
Job demand & outlook
High demand, 18% growth through 2032
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- State Certificate$50,559
- Professional Certification / Diploma$53,771
- Professional Certification / Bootcamp$88,192
- Associate Degree$80,408
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost—
- Time to complete6 to 12 months
- Credential earned—
What you get back
- Starting salary$34,320
- Median salary$45,970
- Experienced salary$89,877
Many career changers recoup their certification cost within the first few months of working in their new role.
How to become a Massage Therapist in California
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Massage Therapist program in California
Browse certified training programs. Most Massage Therapist tracks complete in 6 to 12 months.
Earn your certification
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a certification in California.
Get hired in California
With roughly thousands of Massage Therapist openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in California.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Massage Therapist in California is $45,970 per year, which is $22.10 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $34,320 while experienced Massage Therapists can earn up to $89,877 annually.
Next step
Find Massage Therapist Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Massage Therapist classes in your area.