Massage Therapy

Call it the “human touch”: The high degree of emotional intelligence, physical dexterity and personalized care required to be a massage therapist makes massage therapy one of the least likely professions to be automated in the future.

Demand for licensed massage therapists across Canada has never been higher, only increasing during the pandemic as the number of available workers fell, according to 2022 data from Registered Massage Therapists of Ontario. Meanwhile, the Government of Canada’s Job Bank says the employment outlook for massage therapists in many provinces will be “good” or “very good” up to and beyond 2024.

Massage therapists help improve the physical and mental well-being of clients by caring for their muscular, nervous and circulatory systems. Massage therapy is a proven tool for optimizing physical function and relieving pain and stress in settings as wide-ranging as hospitals, sports and fitness centers, and luxury spas and hotels.

Top-rated massage therapy courses and programs will give students the knowledge, hands-on skills and experience needed to complete certification exams with provincial authorities like the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO), for example, to become a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) or Massage Therapist (MT).

Massage therapy programs typically take 18 months to three years to complete, with a mix of theory (anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology, massage theory and technique, and business and ethics), hands-on training, and clinical experience. Many schools offer additional training in specialized areas such as hydrotherapy, aroma therapy and sport massage.

Salaries for massage therapists vary depending on their level of training, location and work setting. The average massage therapist earns $68,250 per year according to Talent.com, but those who build a large client base or open their own clinics, spas or wellness centers can earn significantly more.