CERTIFIED MASSAGE THERAPIST JOB DESCRIPTION
Explore Certified Massage Therapist job descriptions detailing responsibilities, qualifications, and licensing requirements across multiple employers and work environments.

Certified Massage Therapist Job Description Template
1. About the Role
A Certified Massage Therapist is a licensed hands-on practitioner who assesses client needs and delivers therapeutic sessions. State licensing requirements - including a minimum of 500 accredited training hours - set the entry bar for this seat. The role sits within a spa, wellness clinic, or resort environment where practitioners manage their own client intake documentation, observe draping protocols, and maintain a service-to-sales ratio as part of overall performance. No two sessions are identical.
2. Position Summary
As the Certified Massage Therapist, you deliver customized massage sessions within licensed scope of practice, maintaining accurate client records and promoting wellness recommendations that support member retention. You report to a spa or wellness director and operate within a membership-driven environment where client trust, session consistency, and compliance with state licensing laws directly shape outcomes.
3. Why Join Us
Career Impact: Building a client base across Swedish, deep tissue, and specialty modalities sharpens the clinical range that distinguishes senior therapists and independent practitioners in the spa and wellness market.
Business Impact: Each session a Certified Massage Therapist delivers directly affects member retention rates and the recurring revenue model that membership-based wellness facilities depend on.
Growth Opportunity: Therapists who demonstrate strong service-to-sales performance and continuing education participation are well positioned to advance into lead therapist or spa coordinator roles.
4. Key Responsibilities
- Deliver customized massage sessions using Swedish, deep tissue, and approved modalities within state-licensed scope of practice.
- Assess client intake forms and contraindications before each session to determine appropriate techniques and adjustments.
- Document session details, treatment notes, and wellness chart entries accurately after every appointment.
- Maintain therapy room cleanliness, equipment sanitation, and table dressing between all client appointments.
- Promote health and wellness benefits to members and communicate recommended session frequency based on individual needs.
- Recommend retail products for home use following sessions, supporting a minimum service-to-sales conversion target.
- Attend scheduled staff meetings, continuing education trainings, and any state-required license renewal coursework.
- Adhere to client confidentiality standards and professional boundary protocols in all member and guest interactions.
5. Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in massage therapy or equivalent completion of an accredited massage therapy program, or equivalent work experience.
- 500 or more hours of massage therapy training from an accredited school, with at least 1 year of hands-on client-facing experience.
- Must hold a current state massage therapy license or certification in compliance with all applicable local and state regulations.
- Knowledge of and demonstrated experience performing Swedish and deep tissue massage techniques.
- Working knowledge of human anatomy, basic physiology, and contraindication assessment.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with a customer service orientation toward members, guests, and colleagues.
- Ability to maintain strict client confidentiality and uphold professional boundaries at all times.
- Physical ability to perform multiple massage sessions per shift, including standing for extended periods and occasional lifting.
6. Preferred Qualifications
- Experience performing additional modalities such as hot stone, prenatal, or sports massage supported by documented training.
- Personal liability insurance coverage maintained independently or through an employer-sponsored program.
- Participation in continuing education units beyond state minimum requirements, demonstrating commitment to clinical development.
- Prior experience in a membership-based or resort spa environment with familiarity with wellness charting systems.
7. Success Metrics and Environment
- Session-to-member retention rate, reflecting how consistently booked therapists contribute to membership renewals.
- Service-to-sales ratio at or above 25%, measuring retail recommendation conversion per completed session.
- Client intake documentation accuracy rate, tracked against completeness and timeliness of wellness chart entries.
- Sanitation compliance score across therapy room inspections, measuring adherence to hygiene and equipment protocols.
- Continuing education hours completed annually relative to state license renewal requirements.
8. Compensation and Benefits (US Market Benchmark)
- Base Salary Range: $40,000 to $62,000 annually, or $20 to $35 per hour depending on structure.
- Bonus: Per-session incentives or retail commission tied to service-to-sales performance.
- Equity: Not typical at this level in the spa and wellness sector.
- Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; varies by employer size.
- PTO: 5 to 15 days annually depending on full-time or part-time classification.
- Common Perks: Complimentary or discounted massage sessions, continuing education reimbursement, and product discounts.
Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.
9. EEO and Legal
Background checks, including criminal history review, are a standard condition of employment for all candidates. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process upon request. All candidates must be authorized to work in the United States prior to beginning employment.
Certified Massage Therapist Job Description Example
1. Certified Massage Therapist (Spa and Wellness)
The Certified Massage Therapist owns the delivery of professional massage services within scope of practice and licensing, designing customized sessions based on member and guest individual needs. Working within a wellness clinic environment, the role supports health promotion and member experience while ensuring accurate documentation and maintaining cleanliness across therapy rooms and common areas.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform professional quality massage within scope of practice and licensing as applicable.
- Must follow all Massage Envy policies and protocols.
- Design specific sessions based on member and guest individual needs.
- Assist in the promotion of health and wellness benefits to clients receiving massage therapy on a regular basis.
- Communicate various promotions to clients.
- Create excellent member and guest experience through friendly and helpful attitude.
- Complete Wellness Chart documentation accurately and completely.
- Assist in the cleanliness of therapy rooms and common areas.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 500 hours of massage therapy school and a certificate of completion.
- Must adhere to all applicable local and state licensing laws and regulations related to massage therapy services provided.
- Knowledge of and experience in performing Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage required.
- Knowledge of and experience in performing other modalities offered by Massage Envy.
- Understands and believes in the healing benefits of massage therapy and bodywork.
- Strong customer service orientation.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing courteously and professionally with members, guests, co-workers, and management.
- Ability to maintain client confidentiality.
- Participates in continuing education to improve effectiveness preferred.
2. Certified Massage Therapist (Fitness Club Services)
Embedded within an Active Wellness fitness club, the Certified Massage Therapist delivers massage therapy to members, guests, and corporate clients while promoting club programs and maintaining a safe, well-stocked environment. Working closely with schedulers and department staff, this role advances member wellbeing through responsive care, emergency assistance readiness, and consistent adherence to OSHA and facility safety standards.
Core Functions
- Provide massage therapy to members, guests, and corporate clients.
- Be responsive to members and comply with Massage Room Shift Guidelines while on site.
- Maintain communication with schedulers to ensure attendance.
- Participate in the promotion of the massage department.
- Administer emergency care to members and guests in need of assistance.
- Be knowledgeable about all programs and activities offered by Active Wellness.
- Assist with keeping the club well stocked and clean.
- Handle injury, illness, and security incident reporting.
Qualifications and Experience
- 500 hours of training from an accredited massage school with 1 year of work experience.
- Training in Swedish, deep tissue, or sports massage required.
- Working knowledge of anatomy and basic physiology.
- Basic computer skills and ability to multitask.
- Strong verbal communication skills with commitment to customer service.
- Must follow OSHA and Active Wellness safety standards.
3. Certified Massage Therapist (Casino and Gaming)
Reporting to facility management, the Certified Massage Therapist performs massage using varied techniques to improve circulation, promote relaxation, and relieve player stress in a casino gaming environment. Partnering with operations staff, this role ensures sanitation compliance, timely service delivery, and adherence to Playground standards across all client interactions.
Primary Duties
- Massage players using different techniques to improve circulation, promote relaxation, and relieve stress.
- Address players' needs in a timely and professional manner.
- Respect and comply with the massage therapist's waiting list.
- Clean and sanitize massage chairs after every massage performed and follow proper COVID protocol.
- Comply with Playground standards, policies, and regulations.
- Complete timesheet accurately.
Skills and Qualifications
- Must have at least 400 hours of training in a recognized massage technique.
- Must be a member of a recognized association.
- Must hold liability insurance.
- Excellent presentation skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as within a team setting.
- Ability to multitask and remain calm and professional in a fast-paced environment.
- Must be bilingual in French and English.
4. Certified Massage Therapist (Resort and Golf Spa)
Sitting at the intersection of hospitality and therapeutic care, the Certified Massage Therapist delivers all menu treatments and maintains confidential practitioner-client relationships within a BlueStar Resort and Golf spa setting. Operating across guest services and retail functions, this role builds measurable impact through a minimum 25% service-to-sales ratio and consistent adherence to BlueStar experience standards.
Duties
- Ensure the BlueStar Experience for members and guests by maintaining BlueStar Resort and Golf standards and policies.
- Maintain a professional and confidential practitioner-client relationship using universal precautions and code of ethics.
- Assess client contraindications and customize treatments based on individual needs and physical limitations.
- Perform all treatments on the services menu based on current certifications.
- Create and maintain client cards, services provided, and treatment notes as appropriate.
- Maintain the highest level of product knowledge and recommend products for home use with a minimum service-to-sales ratio of 25%.
- Maintain a clean and sanitized work environment and disinfect all equipment daily.
- Attend all scheduled meetings and professional trainings as requested.
Experience and Qualifications
- One year of previous customer service and massage experience preferred.
- Must complete state requirements for certified therapist or licensed massage therapist.
- Must maintain all current licenses and certifications required on a state and local level.
- Participate in continuing education courses if required by the state for license renewal.
- Ability to explain and promote treatments, services, and products to guests.
- Strong time management, organization, and follow-up skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to communicate positively and effectively with team members and supervisors.
- Must be self-motivated and able to work independently with little supervision.
- Computer literate with ability to write client notes, reports, and correspondence.
5. Certified Massage Therapist (Assisted Stretching Studio)
A key member of the StretchLab studio team, the Certified Massage Therapist delivers one-on-one assisted stretch sessions and group stretch classes for up to 6 clients while supporting membership growth and retention. Collaborating across sales and operations, this role shapes the client experience through hands-on training, safety enforcement, and an active social media presence that drives studio engagement.
What You'll Do
- Deliver one-on-one assisted stretch sessions and group stretch classes for up to 6 clients.
- Encourage and motivate clients throughout stretch sessions.
- Build StretchLab membership and retain current clientele.
- Ensure safety of clients regarding proper stretch techniques and enforce StretchLab policies and safety rules.
- Handle member concerns when applicable.
- Assist sales associates and General Manager with studio tours, offsite events, and sales as needed.
- Maintain strong social media presence to support client membership and retention.
- Clean and maintain all equipment to ensure availability for client use at all times.
Position Requirements
- Minimum of 2 years of experience working in a fitness and health environment providing hands-on training with clients.
- Certified Pilates, Yoga, or Dance Instructor.
- Must be available to complete the Flexologist Training Program including 20 hours of online tutorials, 2 days of in-person training, and 20 hours of practice.
- Fantastic communication skills with the ability to create a positive and welcoming environment.
- Must have passion for helping clients achieve goals and connecting with people.
- Professional work ethic with reliable attendance.
6. Certified Massage Therapist (Clinical Wellness Center)
Certified Massage Therapist delivers 50-minute customized massage sessions within the scope of training and draping protocols, selecting appropriate modalities based on client intake review and individual wellness needs. The work directly supports a client-centered clinical environment where confidentiality, professional boundaries, and CA state licensing compliance are maintained across every session.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Greet guests and members in a professional and friendly manner and select the appropriate massage based on client needs after reviewing the intake form.
- Obtain client informed consent for wellness plan prior to beginning the massage.
- Perform 50-minute customized massage sessions within the scope of training and utilizing draping protocols.
- Complete accurate and legible client intake notes.
- Promote the health and wellness benefits specific to each client and recommend frequency.
- Safeguard client information and confidentiality.
- Execute professional boundaries and avoid dual relationships with clients.
- Maintain a professional and clean appearance and keep therapy room clean.
Background and Experience
- Must have 500 hours or more of massage therapy training from an accredited school.
- Must adhere to CA state licensing laws and regulations.
- Must carry personal liability insurance.
- Must pass a background check.
- Understands and believes in the benefits of massage therapy.
- Customer service oriented with ability to communicate effectively with clients and spa management.
Editorial Process and Content Quality
This content is developed by the Lamwork Editorial Team using structured analysis of real-world job data, skill requirements, and hiring patterns.
Research framework by Lam Nguyen, Founder & Editorial Lead.
Reviewed by Thanh Huyen, Managing Editor.
Learn more about our editorial standards.