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Massage Therapist in California: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

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California employs 14,600 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $45,970 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact California licensing picture, and where to train.

What Massage therapists Earn in California (May 2025)

California median pay: $45,970 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $34,320
Experienced (75th percentile): $64,130
Top earners (90th percentile): $89,880
Employed in California: 14,600
U.S. median (for comparison): $54,660 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major California markets:

Sacramento: $51,980 (720 employed)
San Diego: $45,200 (1,820 employed)
Los Angeles: $43,530 (5,680 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in California

Prices in California run about 11% above the national average (cost-of-living index 110.7 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $45,970 median is worth closer to $41,527 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in California (2024–2034)

California is projected to grow massage therapists employment +20.9%, faster than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 3,810 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

California License and Certification Requirements

CAMTC Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) — no mandatory state license — regulated by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) — voluntary statewide; local jurisdictions vary.

California does not have a mandatory statewide massage license. Instead, the CAMTC (California Massage Therapy Council) issues voluntary certificates: Massage Practitioner (250 hours minimum) and Massage Therapist (500 hours minimum). Many California cities and counties require a CAMTC certificate to practice locally.
Complete the required training hours at a CAMTC-approved school, which covers anatomy, physiology, massage theory, ethics, and hands-on techniques. No CAMTC exam required — your school transcripts and hours satisfy the requirement.
Apply to CAMTC for your certificate (~$150 initial fee). Check your local city/county ordinances for any additional permit or registration requirements — requirements vary significantly across California's 58 counties.

Official requirements: California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) — voluntary statewide; local jurisdictions vary →

Training in California

California has hundreds of massage schools with varying quality — choose a CAMTC-approved program. The LA, San Francisco, and San Diego markets have strong demand from spas, wellness centers, chiropractic offices, and private clients. Self-employment rates are high in California's massage market.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in California include:

American Career College-Los Angeles — Certificate
American Career College-Ontario — Certificate
American College of Healthcare and Technology — Certificate
American Institute of Massage Therapy — Certificate

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who are physically strong, enjoy helping others, and want a licensed practice they can build independently.

Think twice if: Physical strain on hands and wrists, scheduling unpredictability as a self-employed practitioner, or close physical contact sound difficult.

Why it's resilient: Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.

First Steps

Check your state's hour requirement and find a state-licensed massage therapy school — programs range from 500 to 1,000 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do massage therapists make in California?

The median wage for massage therapists in California is $45,970 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $34,320, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $89,880. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in California?

CAMTC Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) — no mandatory state license, overseen by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) — voluntary statewide; local jurisdictions vary. California does not have a mandatory statewide massage license. Instead, the CAMTC (California Massage Therapy Council) issues voluntary certificates: Massage Practitioner (250 hours minimum) and Massage Therapist (500 hours minimum). Many California cities and counties require a CAMTC certificate to practice locally.

Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in California?

Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.

Which California metros pay massage therapists the most?

Among California metro areas, Sacramento leads at $51,980, followed by San Diego ($45,200), Los Angeles ($43,530). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become a Massage Therapist in California?

Real California options include American Career College-Los Angeles, American Career College-Ontario, American College of Healthcare and Technology. Most massage therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Massage Therapist a growing career in California?

California projects massage therapists employment to change +20.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 3,810 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), California statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) — voluntary statewide; local jurisdictions vary (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET California wages · California licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.