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 New York
New York has some of the most rigorous licensing requirements in the U.S., requiring 1,000 hours of education and passing the NY state exam, which may give therapists higher credibility and often better earning potential compared to states with less stringent standards.
Because of these high standards, massage therapists in New York are often viewed as healthcare professionals, not just wellness providers. This distinction leads to:
- More job opportunities in clinical settings like hospitals, physical therapy clinics and chiropractors’ offices.
- Greater insurance reimbursement possibilities, especially in medical massage.
- Higher hourly rates, particularly in NYC and surrounding metro areas.
New York’s emphasis on professionalism makes it a strong choice for those who want long-term career growth and respected status in the health and wellness field.
In this Article
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There are 4,700 people employed as massage therapists in New York says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), making it the fourth highest state for employment of massage therapists in the U.S., just after California, Texas and Florida. The median wage per hour is $28 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 15.4%.
In New York State, self-employment is still the predominant employment type for massage therapists, but working in medical settings is significantly more common than in many other states due to the state’s higher standards and greater integration of massage into healthcare. Here are five notable organizations known for employing massage therapists in New York:
- Massage Envy, Multiple locations.
- As the largest provider of therapeutic massages and skin care in the U.S., Massage Envy operates numerous franchised locations across New York State. They offer employment opportunities with benefits such as flexible schedules and access to a broad client base.
- Body Mechanics Orthopedic Massage, New York City.
- Body Mechanics specializes in therapeutic and orthopedic massage. They provide in-house staff training in advanced massage therapy skills, making it an excellent workplace for therapists aiming to enhance their clinical expertise.
- Golden Health and Wellness, New York City.
- Golden Health and Wellness offers flexible scheduling and competitive pay rates for massage therapists. They focus on delivering high-quality wellness services, providing therapists with opportunities to work in a supportive and professional environment.
- NYC Health + Hospital, Multiple locations.
- As the largest public healthcare system in the United States, NYC Health + Hospitals operates numerous facilities across New York City. They offer positions such as Activity Therapist, where professionals engage in therapeutic activities, including massage therapy, to support patient rehabilitation and well-being. These roles are integral in providing holistic care within hospital settings.
- SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse.
- SUNY Upstate Medical University is a prominent academic medical center in Central New York. They employ massage therapists within their Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) department. These therapists work alongside physicians and physical therapists to assist patients in recovery, pain management and improving mobility through therapeutic massage techniques.
In New York State, self-employment is still the predominant employment type for massage therapists, but working in medical settings is significantly more common than in many other states due to the state’s higher standards and greater integration of massage into healthcare.
Salary statistics for NY
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), neither New York as a state nor its significant metro areas rank in their top 10 for wages, which is surprising considering the high cost of living in some parts of the state.
In terms of work environment, self-employment tends to offer the highest income potential, especially for therapists who operate in high-demand areas and who specialize in modalities such as sports massage, medical massage or prenatal therapy.
Median massage therapist salary in New York
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for massage therapists in New York is $58,730, with pay being more or less depending on location, experience and specialization. Entry-level massage therapists may earn less while they begin to build their practices, and experienced practitioners in high-demand locations or who specialize in a type of massage may earn more.
Compare New York’s median annual massage therapist salary with the median national salary for massage therapists—which is $57,950 a year—and you can see New York’s median is just over the national median, with upstate metro areas such as Kingston, Poughkeepsie and Buffalo paying considerably more. Here are salaries specific to New York, according to the BLS:
Massage Therapists
10%$35,360
25%$42,380
50%$58,730Median
75%$75,380
90%$104,060
Median Hourly Wage$28
Job growth15.4%
Total Employment4,700
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kingston, NY | $72,060 | $34,800 | $113,250 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $62,950 | $31,200 | $119,880 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | $62,810 | $36,680 | $93,490 |
| Rochester, NY | $62,580 | $36,480 | $87,360 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $57,660 | $35,360 | $98,030 |
| Glens Falls, NY | $53,480 | $38,990 | $103,000 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $49,360 | $31,880 | $85,430 |
| Syracuse, NY | $41,890 | $33,140 | $81,930 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | N/A | N/A | N/A |
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 ranges for a massage therapist in New York
The salary range for massage therapists in New York typically spans from $35,360 for the lowest 10% in the field to $104,060 for the highest 10% in the field per year. The lowest 10% typically includes entry-level massage therapists with little experience or working part-time, while the highest 10% includes those with extensive experience, advanced certifications or who work in high-paying environments like private practice or medical settings.
Pay by metro area within New York
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. In New York, it may seem counterintuitive that upstate NY massage therapists earn more than those in Manhattan and NYC. According to recent BLS data, massage therapists in the Ithaca or Kingston metro areas may report higher average wages than those in Manhattan or the broader NYC metro.
This may come down to oversaturation in those areas, as NYC has a large number of licensed massage therapists due to population density and abundant massage schools.
This may lead to downward pressure on wages, especially in spas and chains where base pay can be low. Many therapists work part-time or as independent contractors, which can also skew average earnings.
In upstate areas, massage therapists are more frequently employed in clinical settings, such as hospitals and physical therapy clinics, where:
- Pay is typically hourly or salaried, not commission-based.
- Benefits like insurance and PTO may be included, increasing the total compensation value.
These positions may be harder to get but pay more consistently.
Note: It’s important to note that BLS wage estimates are averages from employed therapists, not self-employed MTs, and NYC has many independent therapists whose incomes vary widely and may not be fully captured.
In contrast, upstate therapists are more likely to be employees, especially in healthcare or rehab settings, where reported wages are clearer and more stable.
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 New York is expected to meet 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 New York’s job growth rate for massage therapists will be right at the national average of 18% through 2032, which will add approximately 140 massage therapists to the existing field.
What specialty of massage is most prevalent in NY?
According to the New York State Society of Medical Massage Therapists, Swedish massage is considered the “godmother of all Western forms of massage” and is the most common type practiced, followed closely by deep tissue massage.
Swedish massage is the most popular specialty due to:
Foundational technique: It’s the basis of most massage therapy training programs in NY, including the state’s required 1,000-hour curriculum.
Broad appeal: Swedish massage is gentle, relaxing and suitable for most clients, making it a go-to choice for spas, wellness centers and private practices.
Widely requested: Clients seeking stress relief, improved circulation or general wellness typically choose Swedish massage.
What factors impact pay in New York?
Here are the three top factors that impact pay levels for massage therapists in New York State:
- Self-employed vs. employer:
- Self-employed therapists set their own rates and can earn more per session, but income is inconsistent and overhead costs are high. Employed MTs, often found in medical settings or spas, may earn more stable but often lower hourly wages, though sometimes with benefits. This single factor dramatically shifts average income figures reported to BLS and other wage surveys.
- Work setting and specialization:
- Medical and clinical settings, such as hospitals, PT clinics and chiropractor offices, may pay more than spas or chains due to the higher skill requirements. Luxury spas in affluent areas such as the Hamptons or high-end NYC hotels, may also pay well, especially through tips.
- Region and market saturation:
- Urban areas like NYC have higher demand but also more therapists, creating fiercer competition for jobs that may lower base pay, while upstate areas with fewer therapists and more integration into healthcare systems may offer higher wages due to regional wage adjustments to attract professionals and less market saturation.
Education path for NY MTs
In New York State, becoming a licensed massage therapist requires a rigorous and structured educational path:
Complete a New York State-approved massage therapy program:
- Minimum 1,000 hours of education.
- Must be at a state-approved school, not just any program.
- Program must include at least 150 hours of supervised clinical practice.
Pass the NYS Massage Therapy Licensing Exam:
- Administered by the New York State Education Department (NYSED).
- Separate from the national MBLEx exam—New York does not accept the MBLEx.
Apply for licensure:
- Submit proof of education, exam results and other documentation to the NYSED Office of the Professions.
- Pay the required licensing fee.
Maintain your licensure:
- Renew every three years.
- Complete 36 hours of continuing education during each renewal period.
Cost of living in New York
New York State ranks among the most expensive states in the U.S., with a cost of living index of 123.3, meaning its costs are 23.3% higher than the national average. This makes it the fifth-highest nationwide with elevated costs primarily driven by housing expenses, particularly in urban areas like New York City.
Most expensive area: Manhattan
Manhattan stands out as the most expensive area in New York State. Neighborhoods such as NoHo and Hudson Yards have median home prices exceeding $3 million, with average rents surpassing $5,700 per month. The high demand for real estate, coupled with limited space, contributes to these steep housing costs.
Least expensive area: Upstate New York
Conversely, several upstate cities offer a significantly lower cost of living:
- Hornell: Median home value of $108,151, with a cost of living approximately 22% lower than the national average.
- Ogdensburg: Median home value of $110,645, with a cost of living roughly 25% lower than the national average.
- Rochester: Median home sale price of $152,000, offering urban amenities at more affordable prices.
New York-based resources for massage therapists
Professional organizations support massage therapists through certification, advocacy, continuing education, workshops and networking opportunities. Here are two important groups for MTs in New York:
New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of the Professions: NYSED regulates licensure and professional standards for massage therapists in NY. Its services include license verification and renewal, licensing requirements and applications and continuing education guidelines.
New York State Society of Medical Massage Therapists (NYSSMMT): NYSSMMT is a professional association supporting massage therapists in medical and wellness practices across NY. It provides advocacy, networking, workshops and updates on laws and regulations.
This massage therapist salary guide for New York aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the profession. This guide should be used as a starting point to make decisions about your career choice and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.