Why this resume works
- Highlights industry-specific skills: The resume effectively highlights healthcare skills, showcasing expertise in therapeutic massage and wellness and underscoring the job seeker’s suitability for roles in the health sector.
- Quantifies accomplishments: By quantifying achievements like performing over 500 massages annually and improving client health by 15%, the resume clearly demonstrates impactful contributions and measurable success.
- Showcases career progression: Career progression is showcased through increasing responsibilities, from delivering therapeutic massages to leading workshops and implementing health programs, reflecting significant professional growth.
More Massage Therapist Resume Examples
See our massage therapist resume examples to learn how to present your therapeutic skills, client care expertise, and certification credentials. These samples will help you create a resume that highlights your professional strengths effectively.
Entry-Level Massage Therapist
Why this resume works
- Features education section: The education section is clearly organized, emphasizing academic achievements from reputable institutions that bolster the job seeker’s qualifications early in their career.
- Touches on accomplishments: Includes accomplishments such as developing wellness workshops and enhancing community health, validating the job seeker’s exceptional performance and dedication to client care.
- Shows digital literacy: Implementing a client management system showcases digital literacy, highlighting computer skills and readiness for modern workplace demands through effective use of technical tools.
Mid-Level Massage Therapist
Why this resume works
- Includes a mix of soft and hard skills: This resume highlights a balanced skill set, combining technical skills and expertise in massage techniques with strong customer service and client relationship management abilities.
- Demonstrates language abilities: The ability to communicate in English, Spanish, and French reflects strong language skills and a well-rounded capability for cross-cultural interactions and potentially international clientele.
- Displays technical expertise: Specialized certifications like CMT and CPR/First Aid underscore the job seeker’s commitment to maintaining high professional standards and technical proficiency in their field.
Experienced Massage Therapist
Why this resume works
- Showcases impressive accomplishments: The resume demonstrates significant senior-level impact through notable achievements like increasing client retention by 25% and boosting sales by 30% with wellness packages.
- Focuses on work history: The chronological resume format effectively emphasizes a solid work history, showcasing steady career progression and extensive experience in massage therapy over several years.
- Sections are well-organized: Clear headers and bullet points make the resume easy to scan, highlighting key responsibilities and accomplishments at a glance for each job role.
Massage Therapist Resume Template (Text Version)
Tao Johnson
Crestwood, KY 40023
(555)555-5555
Tao.Johnson@example.com
Professional Summary
Dedicated Massage Therapist with 9 years of experience delivering personalized and effective treatments. Proven success in client retention and enhancing wellness programs. Expertise in Deep Tissue and Swedish massage ensuring high client satisfaction.
Work History
Massage Therapist
Tranquility Spa Center – Crestwood, KY
January 2022 – March 2025
- Performed over 500 massage sessions annually
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by 20% with tailored therapies
- Implemented health programs, improving clientele health by 15%
Wellness Specialist
Optimal Health Clinic – Crestwood, KY
May 2018 – December 2021
- Provided individualized wellness plans for 200 clients yearly
- Increased client retention rate by 25% through personalized care
- Lead workshops, boosting participant knowledge by 30%
Certified Massage Practitioner
Relaxation Haven – Louisville, KY
March 2016 – April 2018
- Delivered therapeutic massage to 150+ clients monthly
- Reduced client stress levels by 35% through effective techniques
- Assisted in training new staff, improving overall service quality by 20%
Skills
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Swedish Massage
- Trigger Point Therapy
- Customer Service
- Client Retention
- Holistic Health
- Aromatherapy
- Stress Management
Certifications
- Certified Massage Therapist – National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
- Licensed Massage Practitioner – California Massage Therapy Council
Education
Master of Science Sports Medicine
California State University Los Angeles, California
May 2016
Bachelor of Science Health and Wellness
University of California Berkeley, California
May 2014
Languages
- English – Beginner (A1)
- Spanish – Beginner (A1)
- French – Beginner (A1)
Popular Skills for a Massage Therapist Resume
Highlighting a blend of technical and interpersonal skills in your resume is essential for demonstrating the qualifications required to excel as a massage therapist.
Including resume skills such as understanding muscle anatomy, mastering pressure techniques, and showcasing soft skills like empathy and communication can significantly enhance treatment effectiveness and boost client satisfaction.
Below are a few of the top soft skills frequently listed on massage therapist resumes.
| Soft Skills | % of resumes with this skill |
|---|---|
| Professionalism and ethics | 50.74% |
| Social skills | 14.43% |
| Reflective listening | 10.00% |
| Customer needs assessment | 9.80% |
| Relationship building and management | 9.09% |
Here are a few examples of hard skills frequently included on massage therapist resumes.
| Hard Skills | % of resumes with this skill |
|---|---|
| Swedish massage | 52.94% |
| Deep tissue massage | 52.90% |
| Stress relief massage | 46.32% |
| Trigger point massage | 22.31% |
| Anatomy knowledge | 20.87% |
Advice for Writing Your Massage Therapist Resume
Explore our tailored advice on how to write a resume for a massage therapist position and discover how to highlight your skills, certifications, and experience in the wellness industry.
Write a strong professional summary
A professional summary is a brief introduction at the top of your resume that highlights your skills and experiences. For a massage therapist, this section should showcase your expertise in various massage techniques, your ability to make clients feel comfortable, and any certifications you hold. This helps employers quickly see why you are a good fit for the job.
If you have several years of experience as a massage therapist, use a professional summary to highlight your key accomplishments and skills. For example, mention how many years you’ve worked, types of massages you’re skilled in, and any special training or awards.
If you’re just starting out and don’t have much experience yet, use a resume objective instead. This will focus on what you aim to achieve in the role and how your current skills can benefit the employer.
Use action verbs like “trained,” “certified,” or “specialized” to show what you can do. Organize this section by starting with your strongest points first to grab attention immediately.
Massage therapist resume summary examples
Entry-level
Recent graduate from an accredited massage therapy program with foundational skills in Swedish massage, deep tissue techniques, and aromatherapy. Certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) and proficient in maintaining client records and ensuring a relaxing environment. Eager to apply compassionate care and therapeutic touch to enhance clients’ well-being.
Mid-career
Skilled massage therapist with over 5 years of experience in spa and clinical settings. Expertise in sports massage, prenatal massage, and myofascial release techniques. Licensed by the state of Florida, certified in Advanced Deep Tissue and Trigger Point Therapy, known for creating personalized treatment plans that effectively address clients’ specific needs and promote recovery.
Experienced
Highly experienced massage therapist with over 15 years of practice specializing in chronic pain management and injury rehabilitation. Certified in Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) and Advanced Myofascial Techniques, with a proven track record of reducing client pain levels significantly through targeted treatments. Adept at leading a team of therapists, conducting workshops on advanced massage techniques, and consistently receiving high client satisfaction ratings.
Massage therapist resume objective examples
Recent graduate
Recent graduate from a reputable massage therapy program seeking an entry-level position to utilize hands-on training and knowledge of various massage techniques. Eager to contribute to a wellness center or spa by providing exceptional therapeutic services, promoting relaxation, and enhancing clients’ overall well-being.
Career changer
Dedicated professional with a background in healthcare administration transitioning into the field of massage therapy. Equipped with strong interpersonal skills and a passion for holistic health practices. Looking forward to bringing a unique perspective to a therapeutic environment while delivering high-quality massage treatments that meet client needs.
Specialized training
Certified massage therapist specializing in Swedish and deep tissue massage, seeking an opportunity at a progressive wellness clinic. Committed to using specialized skills to alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve overall client health. Enthusiastic about advancing career growth through continuous learning and contributing positively to client satisfaction.
You can use our Resume Builder to create your massage therapist resume. It helps you highlight your skills and experience quickly with easy-to-use templates.
Include relevant certifications and training
Listing your certifications, licenses, and specialized training is very important for a massage therapist. These credentials show you have the proper education and skills to do your job well. They also prove that you are qualified and meet industry standards. Having these listed can make you stand out to employers who want to ensure they hire someone with the right expertise.
To effectively highlight your credentials, create a dedicated certifications section on your resume. Here are a few examples of certifications that you might include on a massage therapist resume:
- Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)
- Certified Massage Therapist (CMT)
- CPR and First Aid Certification
- Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (BCTMB)
- Prenatal Massage Certification
- Sports Massage Certification
- Deep Tissue Massage Certification
- Myofascial Release Certification
List each certification clearly with the name of the certifying body and the date received to give a clear picture of your qualifications. See the sample below for inspiration.
Example of a certifications section
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)
Issued by: National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)
Issued 2021
Certified Prenatal Massage Therapist
Issued by: American Pregnancy Association
Expires 2024
CPR and First Aid Certification
Issued by: American Red Cross
Expires 2025
Myofascial Release Therapy Certification
Issued by: John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release Approach
Issued 2022
Sports Massage Certification
Issued by: National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
Expires 2023
We recommend using one of our professional resume templates to easily create a polished and professional resume that showcases your qualifications.
Showcase your work experience
Highlighting your work experience on a resume is essential for a massage therapist, as it showcases your skills and expertise to potential employers. Arranging your previous roles in reverse chronological order ensures that the most recent and relevant experiences are prioritized. This layout allows hiring managers to quickly understand your professional development and current abilities.
To detail your work experience, list each job title, employer name, location, and dates of employment. Use concise, action-driven bullet points to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments.
Emphasize measurable outcomes to illustrate your contributions, such as “Enhanced client satisfaction ratings by 20% through personalized massage techniques” or “Decreased client wait times by implementing an efficient booking system.”
Include key responsibilities like performing various massage techniques (Swedish, deep tissue), maintaining client records, recommending tailored treatment plans, ensuring a clean and safe workspace, and delivering exceptional customer service.
By clearly detailing these aspects with specific examples and quantifiable results, you will effectively demonstrate the value you offer as a proficient massage therapist.
5 massage therapist work history bullet points
- Provided therapeutic massages to over 50 clients per week, resulting in a 95% client satisfaction rate.
- Developed personalized massage treatment plans that addressed individual client needs, leading to a 40% increase in returning clientele.
- Implemented new massage techniques and wellness strategies that enhanced the overall client experience and increased referral rates by 25%.
- Maintained detailed client records and progress notes, ensuring consistent quality of care and compliance with health regulations.
- Collaborated with a team of healthcare professionals to create comprehensive wellness programs, improving client outcomes by integrating massage therapy into broader treatment plans.
To pass ATS and catch recruiters’ eyes, include relevant keywords from the job description in your resume.
Match your resume with the job description
To stand out as a massage therapist, customize your resume according to the job description. Many employers use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to filter resumes based on specific keywords and phrases.
Start by pinpointing crucial terms in the job listing, such as “deep tissue massage,” “customer service,” or “certified massage therapist.” Integrate these keywords into sections like skills, experience, and summary. For instance, if the job description mentions “providing therapeutic massages to clients,” you could phrase it in your resume as: “Delivered therapeutic massages tailored to client needs.”
Structure your resume with clear headings like “Skills,” “Experience,” and “Education,” using bullet points under each section for relevant details. Emphasize achievements that demonstrate your expertise and previous successes. This strategy for creating an ATS-friendly resume will boost your chances of securing an interview for the massage therapist role.
Use our ATS Resume Checker to make sure your resume gets noticed. It finds mistakes and gives tips so your resume can pass the first test.
Salary Insights for Massage Therapists
Salaries can vary based on your location and job title. Looking at industry pay trends can help you compare earnings and make informed career decisions. Check out the details below.
Top 10 highest-paying states for massage therapists
Our salary information comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. This official government data provides the most comprehensive and reliable salary information for massage therapists across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The figures represent the most recent data available as of May 2023.
The national average salary for massage therapist is $56,139.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $100,670 |
| Vermont | $86,740 |
| Washington | $80,960 |
| Oregon | $76,600 |
| New Hampshire | $72,970 |
| New York | $70,930 |
| Arizona | $68,970 |
| New Jersey | $68,670 |
| Utah | $66,970 |
| Massachusetts | $66,990 |
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my massage therapist resume?
Adding a cover letter to your massage therapist resume isn’t always required, but it can help you stand out. A cover letter lets you express your passion for massage therapy and demonstrate how your skills meet the specific needs of the spa or clinic you’re applying to.
For example, if you’ve specialized in deep tissue or sports massage and the job listing mentions these skills, highlight your experience and any relevant certifications. You can also emphasize your ability to build strong client relationships or manage a busy schedule effectively.
Taking the time to write a personalized cover letter shows potential employers that you’re truly interested in their position and willing to go the extra mile. It could be crucial in capturing their attention and securing an interview. For guidance on crafting an impressive cover letter, explore cover letter examples or use our Cover Letter Generator to easily create your own.
How long should a massage therapist’s resume be?
A massage therapist’s resume length is best kept to one page, ensuring your qualifications and experience can be swiftly reviewed by hiring managers. Emphasize your certifications, relevant work history, and specialized techniques you excel in.
However, if you possess extensive experience or additional training pertinent to the role, a two-page resume may be justified. Ensure every piece of information adds value and directly relates to the job, prioritizing the most recent and relevant details at the top.
How do you write a massage therapist resume with no experience?
To create a resume with no experience as a massage therapist, showcase your education, training, and transferable skills. Begin by listing your certifications and any relevant coursework in massage therapy. Specify the school or program you attended and detail the techniques you’ve learned.
Highlight hands-on practice from your training program; practical hours are valuable even if unpaid. Describe the types of massages performed, clients worked with, and feedback received from instructors.
Include crucial soft skills like communication, empathy, and attention to detail. Mention any volunteer work or internships where these skills were applied in real-world settings.
If you have previous customer service or healthcare experience, emphasize how it has prepared you to handle clients and maintain professionalism in a therapeutic environment.
Lastly, consider joining professional organizations such as the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) to demonstrate your commitment to the field and stay informed on industry best practices.
Rate this article
Massage Therapist
Kellie is a career advice writer. She is committed to helping job seekers navigate the job market and succeed in their careers.
More Articles by Kellie HannaAdditional Resources
Sports Therapist Resume Examples & Tips
Sports therapists (also known as athletic trainers) use advanced physical techniques and therapies to prevent and treat sporting injuries, manage injury prevention, and support sports rehabilitation. For this job, you
Physical Therapist Resume Examples & Templates
Entry-level
Physical Therapist Assistant Resume: Examples & Tips
Physical therapist assistants work with patients of all ages who are suffering from physical injuries or other disorders that limit them in their everyday activities. Tasks and responsibilities for this
Physical Therapist Cover Letter Example + Tips
A physical therapist uses a wide variety of exercises and tactics to help patients regain mobility, manage pain or recover from an accident or major illness. For example, a physical
Physical Therapist Assistant Cover Letter Example + Tips
When plugging your unique qualifications into our free physical therapist assistant cover letter sample, it is important to constantly relate those skills back to the skills required of the position
Physical Therapy Aide Resume Examples & Tips
A physical therapy aide works under the supervision of a physical therapist, performing non-medical tasks such as transporting patients, setting up and cleaning treatment rooms, ensuring optimum functioning of therapy
