Massage Therapists

Description
Work Activities
Abilities
Interests
Knowledge
Wages
Skills
Work Values
Work Styles
Related Degrees
Work Context
Task Ratings
Education

Job Description: Perform therapeutic massages of soft tissues and joints. May assist in the assessment of range of motion and muscle strength, or propose client therapy plans.

Massage Therapists spend a lot of their time Performing for or Working Directly with the Public. They are naturally good at Oral Comprehension, Oral Expression, Problem Sensitivity, and Trunk Strength. Massage Therapists are typically characterized as being Social and Realistic. They are usually very knowledgable about English Language, Psychology, and Customer and Personal Service and are skilled at Critical Thinking and Active Listening.

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Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage

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Work Activities

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public

Handling and Moving Objects

Performing General Physical Activities

Assisting and Caring for Others

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Thinking Creatively

Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Getting Information

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization

Scheduling Work and Activities

Developing Objectives and Strategies

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Monitoring and Controlling Resources

Coaching and Developing Others

Processing Information

Performing Administrative Activities

Training and Teaching Others

Documenting/Recording Information

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others

Analyzing Data or Information

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Selling or Influencing Others

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Controlling Machines and Processes

Interacting With Computers

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

Developing and Building Teams

Staffing Organizational Units

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Abilities

Oral Comprehension

Oral Expression

Problem Sensitivity

Trunk Strength

Inductive Reasoning

Deductive Reasoning

Multilimb Coordination

Dynamic Strength

Manual Dexterity

Speech Recognition

Written Expression

Speech Clarity

Written Comprehension

Selective Attention

Stamina

Arm-Hand Steadiness

Extent Flexibility

Finger Dexterity

Fluency of Ideas

Static Strength

Originality

Near Vision

Category Flexibility

Information Ordering

Control Precision

Flexibility of Closure

Time Sharing

Gross Body Coordination

Visualization

Perceptual Speed

Gross Body Equilibrium

Speed of Closure

Far Vision

Memorization

Auditory Attention

Number Facility

Visual Color Discrimination

Hearing Sensitivity

Wrist-Finger Speed

Mathematical Reasoning

Interests

Social

Realistic

Investigative

Conventional

Enterprising

Artistic

Knowledge

English Language

Psychology

Customer and Personal Service

Therapy and Counseling

Sales and Marketing

Education and Training

Chemistry

Medicine and Dentistry

Clerical

Philosophy and Theology

Telecommunications

Communications and Media

Sociology and Anthropology

Mathematics

Law and Government

Administration and Management

Biology

Computers and Electronics

Personnel and Human Resources

Fine Arts

Economics and Accounting

Public Safety and Security

Physics

Building and Construction

Mechanical

Foreign Language

Production and Processing

Geography

History and Archeology

Engineering and Technology

Design

Wages

Alaska

$89,120

Delaware

$64,860

Washington

$56,140

Virginia

$50,250

Vermont

$49,140

New York

$43,560

Oregon

$42,820

New Hampshire

$42,700

North Carolina

$42,370

Arizona

$41,420

New Mexico

$41,330

Maryland

$39,460

Minnesota

$37,500

Colorado

$36,060

Massachusetts

$36,050

Pennsylvania

$35,950

District of Columbia

$35,770

Wisconsin

$35,060

Maine

$34,870

Connecticut

$34,820

California

$34,560

Kentucky

$34,200

Tennessee

$34,150

Florida

$33,850

Iowa

$33,470

Missouri

$33,210

Texas

$32,750

Arkansas

$32,610

South Dakota

$32,580

Indiana

$32,570

Hawaii

$32,540

Georgia

$31,890

Kansas

$31,750

Idaho

$31,370

Montana

$31,350

Illinois

$31,130

Utah

$30,700

New Jersey

$30,510

Michigan

$30,010

Louisiana

$30,000

Nebraska

$29,910

West Virginia

$28,580

Ohio

$28,090

South Carolina

$27,790

Oklahoma

$27,100

Mississippi

$24,480

Wyoming

$24,040

Alabama

$20,110

Puerto Rico

$19,170

Nevada

$18,840

Guam

$17,660

Skills

Critical Thinking

Active Listening

Speaking

Reading Comprehension

Writing

Active Learning

Persuasion

Social Perceptiveness

Service Orientation

Monitoring

Judgment and Decision Making

Learning Strategies

Complex Problem Solving

Time Management

Systems Evaluation

Operations Analysis

Coordination

Instructing

Negotiation

Systems Analysis

Science

Management of Material Resources

Management of Personnel Resources

Equipment Selection

Management of Financial Resources

Quality Control Analysis

Operation Monitoring

Work Values

Relationships

Independence

Achievement

Working Conditions

Recognition

Support

Work Styles

Dependability

Concern for Others

Independence

Integrity

Cooperation

Self Control

Attention to Detail

Initiative

Adaptability/Flexibility

Achievement/Effort

Stress Tolerance

Analytical Thinking

Social Orientation

Innovation

Leadership

Persistence

Related University Degree Programs

Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage

Work Context

Face-to-Face Discussions

Contact With Others

Freedom to Make Decisions

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

Structured versus Unstructured Work

Work With Work Group or Team

Physical Proximity

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

Frequency of Decision Making

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

Telephone

Spend Time Standing

Deal With External Customers

Letters and Memos

Electronic Mail

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

Level of Competition

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body

Exposed to Disease or Infections

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

Time Pressure

Consequence of Error

Public Speaking

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results

Spend Time Sitting

Coordinate or Lead Others

Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People

Frequency of Conflict Situations

Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment

Spend Time Walking and Running

Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable

Exposed to Contaminants

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

Work Schedules

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

Duration of Typical Work Week

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting

Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

Outdoors, Exposed to Weather

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

Degree of Automation

Outdoors, Under Cover

Deal With Physically Aggressive People

Exposed to Radiation

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

In an Open Vehicle or Equipment

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

Exposed to High Places

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

-40 hours-

Duration of Typical Work Week

-A lot of freedom-

Freedom to Make Decisions

Structured versus Unstructured Work

-About half the time-

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body

Spend Time Standing

Spend Time Sitting

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

Spend Time Walking and Running

-Completely automated-

Degree of Automation

-Constant contact with others-

Contact With Others

-Contact with others about half the time-

Contact With Others

-Contact with others most of the time-

Contact With Others

-Continually or almost continually-

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

Spend Time Standing

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

Spend Time Walking and Running

Spend Time Sitting

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

-Every day-

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

Face-to-Face Discussions

Telephone

Frequency of Decision Making

Electronic Mail

Exposed to Disease or Infections

Letters and Memos

Time Pressure

Exposed to Contaminants

Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting

Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People

Public Speaking

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable

In an Open Vehicle or Equipment

Frequency of Conflict Situations

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

Outdoors, Exposed to Weather

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment

Exposed to High Places

Outdoors, Under Cover

Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

Exposed to Radiation

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

Deal With Physically Aggressive People

-Extremely competitive-

Level of Competition

-Extremely important-

Work With Work Group or Team

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

Deal With External Customers

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

Coordinate or Lead Others

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

-Extremely serious-

Consequence of Error

-Fairly important-

Coordinate or Lead Others

Deal With External Customers

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

Work With Work Group or Team

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

-Fairly serious-

Consequence of Error

-High responsibility-

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results

-Highly automated-

Degree of Automation

-Highly competitive-

Level of Competition

-I don't work near other people (beyond 100 ft.)-

Physical Proximity

-I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)-

Physical Proximity

-Important-

Coordinate or Lead Others

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

Work With Work Group or Team

Deal With External Customers

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

-Important results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

-Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)-

Work Schedules

-Less than 40 hours-

Duration of Typical Work Week

-Less than half the time-

Spend Time Walking and Running

Spend Time Sitting

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

Spend Time Standing

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

-Limited freedom-

Structured versus Unstructured Work

Freedom to Make Decisions

-Limited responsibility-

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results

-Minor results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

-Moderate responsibility-

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results

-Moderate results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

-Moderately automated-

Degree of Automation

-Moderately close (at arm's length)-

Physical Proximity

-Moderately competitive-

Level of Competition

-More than 40 hours-

Duration of Typical Work Week

-More than half the time-

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

Spend Time Standing

Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

Spend Time Walking and Running

Spend Time Sitting

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

-Never-

In an Open Vehicle or Equipment

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

Exposed to High Places

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

Exposed to Radiation

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

Deal With Physically Aggressive People

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

Outdoors, Under Cover

Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting

Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

Outdoors, Exposed to Weather

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

Exposed to Contaminants

Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment

Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable

Spend Time Walking and Running

Frequency of Conflict Situations

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

Electronic Mail

Exposed to Disease or Infections

Time Pressure

Spend Time Sitting

Public Speaking

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body

Letters and Memos

Telephone

Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People

Frequency of Decision Making

Face-to-Face Discussions

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

Spend Time Standing

-No contact with others-

Contact With Others

-No freedom-

Structured versus Unstructured Work

Freedom to Make Decisions

-No responsibility-

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety

-No results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

-Not at all automated-

Degree of Automation

-Not at all competitive-

Level of Competition

-Not important at all-

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

Coordinate or Lead Others

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

Work With Work Group or Team

Deal With External Customers

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

-Not serious at all-

Consequence of Error

-Occasional contact with others-

Contact With Others

-Once a month or more but not every week-

Public Speaking

Frequency of Conflict Situations

Letters and Memos

Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

Time Pressure

Exposed to Disease or Infections

Frequency of Decision Making

Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

Electronic Mail

Exposed to Contaminants

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

Face-to-Face Discussions

Telephone

Exposed to High Places

Outdoors, Under Cover

Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

Exposed to Radiation

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

Deal With Physically Aggressive People

In an Open Vehicle or Equipment

Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

Outdoors, Exposed to Weather

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment

-Once a week or more but not every day-

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

Letters and Memos

Frequency of Decision Making

Time Pressure

Electronic Mail

Face-to-Face Discussions

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment

Telephone

Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable

Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People

Public Speaking

Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

Exposed to Disease or Infections

Frequency of Conflict Situations

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

Deal With Physically Aggressive People

In an Open Vehicle or Equipment

Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

Outdoors, Exposed to Weather

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

Exposed to Contaminants

Exposed to High Places

Outdoors, Under Cover

Exposed to Radiation

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

-Once a year or more but not every month-

Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People

Public Speaking

Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable

Telephone

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment

Exposed to Contaminants

Time Pressure

Outdoors, Exposed to Weather

Frequency of Conflict Situations

Outdoors, Under Cover

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

Letters and Memos

Face-to-Face Discussions

Deal With Physically Aggressive People

Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting

Exposed to Radiation

Electronic Mail

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

Exposed to Disease or Infections

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

Frequency of Decision Making

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

Exposed to High Places

Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

In an Open Vehicle or Equipment

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

-Regular (established routine, set schedule)-

Work Schedules

-Seasonal (only during certain times of the year)-

Work Schedules

-Serious-

Consequence of Error

-Slightly automated-

Degree of Automation

-Slightly close (e.g., shared office)-

Physical Proximity

-Slightly competitive-

Level of Competition

-Some freedom-

Structured versus Unstructured Work

Freedom to Make Decisions

-Very close (near touching)-

Physical Proximity

-Very high responsibility-

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety

-Very important-

Deal With External Customers

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

Work With Work Group or Team

Coordinate or Lead Others

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

-Very important results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

-Very little freedom-

Structured versus Unstructured Work

Freedom to Make Decisions

-Very serious-

Consequence of Error

Task Ratings

- Importance Core-

Confer with clients about their medical histories and problems with stress or pain to determine how massage will be most helpful.

Apply finger and hand pressure to specific points of the body.

Massage and knead muscles and soft tissues of the body to provide treatment for medical conditions, injuries, or wellness maintenance.

Maintain treatment records.

Provide clients with guidance and information about techniques for postural improvement and stretching, strengthening, relaxation, and rehabilitative exercises.

Assess clients' soft tissue condition, joint quality and function, muscle strength, and range of motion.

Develop and propose client treatment plans that specify which types of massage are to be used.

Refer clients to other types of therapists when necessary.

Use complementary aids, such as infrared lamps, wet compresses, ice, and whirlpool baths to promote clients' recovery, relaxation, and well-being.

Treat clients in professional settings or travel to clients' offices and homes.

Consult with other health care professionals, such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, physicians, and psychologists, to develop treatment plans for clients.

Prepare and blend oils and apply the blends to clients' skin.

- Relevance of Task Core-

Apply finger and hand pressure to specific points of the body.

Massage and knead muscles and soft tissues of the body to provide treatment for medical conditions, injuries, or wellness maintenance.

Confer with clients about their medical histories and problems with stress or pain to determine how massage will be most helpful.

Assess clients' soft tissue condition, joint quality and function, muscle strength, and range of motion.

Develop and propose client treatment plans that specify which types of massage are to be used.

Refer clients to other types of therapists when necessary.

Use complementary aids, such as infrared lamps, wet compresses, ice, and whirlpool baths to promote clients' recovery, relaxation, and well-being.

Provide clients with guidance and information about techniques for postural improvement and stretching, strengthening, relaxation, and rehabilitative exercises.

Consult with other health care professionals, such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, physicians, and psychologists, to develop treatment plans for clients.

Maintain treatment records.

Treat clients in professional settings or travel to clients' offices and homes.

Prepare and blend oils and apply the blends to clients' skin.

-Daily Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-

Develop and propose client treatment plans that specify which types of massage are to be used.

Provide clients with guidance and information about techniques for postural improvement and stretching, strengthening, relaxation, and rehabilitative exercises.

Maintain treatment records.

Massage and knead muscles and soft tissues of the body to provide treatment for medical conditions, injuries, or wellness maintenance.

Confer with clients about their medical histories and problems with stress or pain to determine how massage will be most helpful.

Apply finger and hand pressure to specific points of the body.

Assess clients' soft tissue condition, joint quality and function, muscle strength, and range of motion.

Prepare and blend oils and apply the blends to clients' skin.

Treat clients in professional settings or travel to clients' offices and homes.

Refer clients to other types of therapists when necessary.

Use complementary aids, such as infrared lamps, wet compresses, ice, and whirlpool baths to promote clients' recovery, relaxation, and well-being.

Consult with other health care professionals, such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, physicians, and psychologists, to develop treatment plans for clients.

-Hourly or more Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-