By: Natural Healers Staff
Updated: January 26, 2026
Massage Therapy Degree and Career Guide
- Becoming a Massage Therapist
- Massage Therapy Schooling
- Online Programs
- Massage School Accreditation
- School Tuition
- State Boards of Massage
- Types of Massage
- Massage Therapist Duties
- Massage Therapist Salary
Massage Therapist Salary State Guides
Massage Therapist Salary in Florida
Florida is a top choice for massage therapists due to its strong tourism industry, high demand for wellness services and abundant job opportunities in resorts and spas in its coastal cities year-round.
Other compelling reasons to choose Florida to become a massage therapist include:
- Diverse work settings: Florida offers abundant opportunities in resorts, cruise ships, wellness centers, medical offices and private practice.
- Licensing reciprocity: Florida participates in the Massage Therapy Compact, making it easier to practice in multiple states.
- No state income tax: Massage therapists in Florida keep more of their income due to the absence of a state income tax.
- Large retiree population: The state’s sizable senior population increases demand for therapeutic and pain-relief massage.
In this Article
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There are 7,660 people employed as massage therapists in Florida says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), making it the third highest state for employment of massage therapists in the U.S. The median wage per hour is $24 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 15.4%.
The warm climate and constant influx of tourists and snowbirds create steady, year-round client demand. Here are five prominent employers in Florida that actively hire massage therapists across various specialties:
- Massage Envy, Miami, Orlando, Coral Gables and multiple locations.
- With numerous locations throughout Florida, Massage Envy is one of the largest employers of massage therapists in the state. They offer services such as therapeutic massage, stretch therapy and skin care treatments.
- Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, Clearwater, Orlando, Tampa, multiple locations.
- Hand & Stone has multiple franchises across Florida, providing opportunities for massage therapists specializing in Swedish, deep tissue, and hot stone massages, among others.
- Four Seasons Resort, Orlando.
- This luxury resort offers high-end spa services and employs massage therapists skilled in various modalities to cater to an upscale clientele.
- Arch Amenities Group, Orlando.
- Operating in Orlando, Arch Amenities Group provides wellness services in resort and residential settings, employing massage therapists for diverse client needs.
- Zeel Healthcare at Home, Statewide.
- Zeel offers on-demand massage services across Florida, allowing licensed massage therapists to work as independent contractors, providing in-home and corporate massages.
Florida is a top choice for massage therapists due to its strong tourism industry, high demand for wellness services and abundant job opportunities in resorts and spas.
Salary statistics for Florida
Salaries can vary significantly in Florida based on factors such as location, experience and work setting. For instance, massage therapists in Bonita Springs and Vero Beach report higher hourly wages due to their high-end resort town status, which translates to therapists in upscale resorts, spas or medical facilities commanding higher pay. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2024, none of Florida’s biggest metro areas rank in their top 10 for highest wages, even if some Florida metro areas do rank for highest employment of massage therapists.
In terms of work environment, these are the top work settings as far as pay for massage therapists in the state:
- Luxury resorts and destination spas such as those in the Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton and Waldorf Astoria offer a high-end clientele, premium service rates and generous tipping.
- Medical or chiropractic offices specializing in orthopedic, neuromuscular or rehabilitative massage may offer stable, hourly or salaried pay and may include benefits. Medical massage is more specialized and can command higher rates.
- Private practice and mobile massage offers potential for higher per-session earnings and control over pricing, especially in high-demand urban and tourist areas such as Tampa, Miami and Fort Lauderdale. However, income depends on marketing, the client base and consistency.
Median massage therapist salary in Florida
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for massage therapists in Florida is $49,880, depending on location, experience and specialization.
Compare Florida’s median annual massage therapist salary with the median national salary for massage therapists—which is $57,950 a year—and you can see, Florida pays well below the national median for the profession, but the BLS does not take into consideration circumstances such as self-employment or employer type. Surprisingly, Alaska pays massage therapists the highest median annual salaries in the U.S., however, here are salaries specific to Florida:
Massage Therapists
10%$26,760
25%$38,800
50%$49,880Median
75%$56,960
90%$74,490
Median Hourly Wage$24
Job growth15.4%
Total Employment7,660
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naples-Marco Island, FL | $55,370 | $27,170 | $91,040 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL | $51,080 | $25,340 | $76,560 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $50,740 | $26,230 | $73,220 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $50,060 | $27,390 | $73,130 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $50,000 | $28,600 | $70,460 |
| Gainesville, FL | $49,520 | $26,500 | $76,820 |
| Ocala, FL | $49,460 | $29,680 | $72,060 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | $49,340 | $27,180 | $75,190 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | $49,160 | $26,580 | $75,260 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $49,040 | $26,290 | $76,990 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Take a look at how salaries compare for fields that are similar to massage therapy:
Salary range for a massage therapist in Florida
The salary range for massage therapists in Florida typically spans from $26,760 for the lowest 10% in the field to $74,490 for the highest 10% in the field per year.
The 10th and 90th percentile salary ranges reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for massage therapists in Florida reflect real-world variation in earnings tied to experience, education, specialization, work setting and geography. Here’s what typically characterizes professionals at each end of the spectrum in Florida specifically:
Lowest 10% of earners:
- Entry-level therapists with little to no experience.
- Working in low-paying settings such as chain spas, massage franchises or fitness centers.
- May work part-time or on-call, limiting earnings.
- Possibly lacking specialized certifications or advanced training.
- Located in rural or low-demand areas with fewer clients and lower service rates.
- May be building a client base or working in temporary positions.
Highest 10% of earners:
- Highly experienced therapists with 5–10+ years in the field.
- Work in luxury resorts, high-end spas, medical centers or own a successful private practice.
- Hold specialized certifications such as medical massage, sports massage or lymphatic drainage.
- Operate in wealthy or high-demand areas such as Naples, Palm Beach, Orlando or Miami.
- Often receive consistent bookings and high tips.
- May have a loyal client base and strong professional reputation.
- Some may supplement income by teaching, offering CE courses, or running a team of therapists.
Pay by metro area within Florida
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. For example, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, such as Naples, Miami, West Palm Beach or Orlando, pay may be more competitive.
Notably, the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metropolitan area stands out, making it the sixth highest metro area for employment of massage therapists in the U.S. Here are the top 10 metro areas for massage therapists by pay in the U.S.
Salary growth and job outlook
Job growth for massage therapists in Florida is expected to surpass the national average for the field, which is already higher than the average job growth rate for all professions combined, said the BLS.
15.4%
Job growth for massage therapists through 2034 according to the BLS
O*Net, which is a subsidiary of the BLS, said that Florida’s job growth rate for massage therapists will be 27% through 2032, which will add approximately 2,180 massage therapists to the existing field.
Factors that may affect massage therapist salaries in Florida
Here are the top three Florida-specific factors that significantly impact how much a massage therapist can earn in the state:
- Seasonal and regional tourism fluctuations:
- Florida’s economy heavily relies on tourism, especially in cities like Orlando, Miami and Tampa. During peak tourist seasons, therapists in resorts and spas may earn more through volume and tips. Off-season, demand and income may drop.
- Retiree and medical wellness demand:
- Florida has one of the largest senior populations in the U.S. Therapists who specialize in medical massage, pain relief or rehabilitative care often earn more, especially in areas like Sarasota, The Villages and Naples.
- High concentration of spas and wellness centers:
- Florida has an unusually high density of luxury resorts, wellness retreats and spas. This increases job opportunities but also creates competition. Those who work in high-end facilities or develop a niche, such as lymphatic drainage or prenatal massage, may earn more.
Education path for massage therapists in Florida
Here’s a step-by-step guide to the education and licensing path to become a massage therapist in Florida:
Complete a Florida-approved massage therapy program:
- You must have earned a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- You must complete at least 500 hours of education/training from a Board-approved school.
Pass the MBLEx Exam (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam):
- The MBLEx is a national exam required for licensure in Florida.
Complete a background check:
- You must submit your fingerprints for a criminal history screening.
Apply for licensure with the Florida Board of Massage Therapy:
- Submit your transcripts, MBLEx scores, background check results and fees.
- Once approved, you can work legally as a licensed massage therapist in Florida.
Renew your license every two years:
- Complete 24 hours of continuing education hours per renewal period.
Cost of living in Florida
The World Population Review Cost of Living Index stated that as of 2025, Florida’s overall cost of living index stands at 102.8, indicating that living expenses are approximately 2.8% higher than the national average, which is benchmarked at 100. This index reflects the combined costs of essential categories such as housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare and utilities. Notably, Florida’s housing index is 108.1, suggesting that housing costs are about 8.1% above the national average. Conversely, utilities and healthcare are slightly below the national average, with indices of 98.8 and 99.0, respectively.
The state’s cost of living varies significantly by region. Urban centers like Miami, Orlando and Tampa often experience higher living costs due to increased demand and limited housing supply. In contrast, smaller towns and rural areas may offer more affordable living options.
Despite these variations, Florida’s lack of a state income tax may positively impact resident take-home pay, potentially offsetting some of the higher living expenses.
Florida resources for massage therapists
Here are two professional groups/resources specifically for massage therapists in Florida:
Florida Board of Massage Therapy: This is the official state regulatory body that oversees massage therapy licensure and compliance in Florida. All practicing massage therapists in Florida must interact with this board for legal licensure, continuing education requirements and professional standing.
American Massage Therapy Association Florida Chapter: This is the Florida state chapter of the national AMTA organization. It offers conferences and legislative advocacy and is a valuable community for professional growth, especially for networking and staying updated on Florida-specific industry trends.
This massage therapist salary guide for Florida strives to provide you with an understanding of the salary landscape and job growth and education information regarding the profession. This guide may be used as a starting point to make informed decisions about your education path and for setting realistic expectations for your professional future.