Hiring Massage Therapists used to feel hard—but now? It’s downright daunting. If you’re a massage business owner looking to grow your team, you may be wondering, Where did all the qualified massage therapists go?
You’re not imagining it. The hiring landscape has changed dramatically. Here’s what’s going on—and what you can do to actually attract therapists instead of chasing them.
Why Hiring Massage Therapists Is So Tough Right Now
- 📉 Fewer graduates: Massage school enrollment is down. Many schools closed during the pandemic, and fewer people are entering the profession.
- ⏳ More burnout: Therapists who worked through COVID are tired. Some are leaving the industry altogether, or shifting to part-time.
- 🚪 Solo is appealing: With low overhead, simple online booking tools, and the desire for flexibility, many therapists are opting for private practice instead of employment.
- 🎯 Therapists are choosy: They’re not just looking for any job. They’re looking for the right job—one that offers flexibility, respect, and purpose.
The Staggering Stats You Need to Know
- Declining workforce: There are approximately 321,500 practicing massage therapists in the U.S.—a 4% decrease since 2019 (abmp.com).
- Booming industry: Job prospects for massage therapists are projected to surge 18% from 2023–33, compared to just 4% across all occupations (bls.gov).
- High turnover: Roughly 40% of new therapists leave within two years, and nearly 49% of all therapists report being burned out.
- Physical & emotional burnout: 73% of therapists with ≤10 years experience report burnout, independent of hours worked; it’s compounded by repetitive motion injuries and emotional fatigue.
- First‑year exodus: 40% of new grads exit the field—mostly due to physical strain and underpaying environments.
- Tough work conditions: 11% of therapists log over 40 hrs/week, and many report working through pain; chain‑spa burnout and abrupt quits are common.
So what can you do to attract top talent?
✔️ Lead with lifestyle – Today’s therapists want flexibility, growth opportunities, and a healthy work-life balance.
✔️ Create a space people are proud to work in – Think less micromanaging, more collaboration and support. Cultivate a reputation worth talking about.
✔️ Make your culture magnetic – Therapists want to feel valued, heard, and part of something that aligns with their values. Gone are the days when a job ad listing pay and hours was enough. Talk about what it’s like to work for you. Do you offer flexible schedules? Paid CEUs? Mental health days? A supportive, drama-free team? Say that.
✔️Actively recruit (don’t just wait for resumes) – Reach out to local massage schools, attend industry events, and create “why work with us” content on social media and your website. The more visible and values-aligned your business is, the more likely you’ll attract aligned therapists.
Pro-Tip: Upgrade Your Career Page (It’s More Powerful Than You Think)
Gone are the days of a boring “Employment” tab with a PDF download.
Now’s the time to breathe life into your “Work With Us” page—and a dynamic video is your best tool.
Think: A short, authentic video clip that shows your space, your people, and your vibe. Something that makes a therapist say: “Ugh, THAT’S where I want to work.”
What to Include in Your “Work With Us” Video
Think of it as a 1–2 minute vibe check. Keep it real, keep it short, and keep it you.
- You, being you – A warm welcome and intro from you as the owner. Share what drives you, and what makes your business special.
- Footage of your space – Cozy treatment rooms, sunny nooks, lush plants—paint the visual.
- Happy team moments – With consent, show quick clips of your team chatting, laughing, or prepping between sessions.
- Core values in action – Highlight what really matters in your workplace: trust, flexibility, collaboration, fun.
- Why your team stays – Add 1–2 short testimonials or quotes from current therapists, ideally in their own words.
- Your “why” – Why you started this practice, why you love it, and where it’s going.
Don’t overthink it. A smartphone and good lighting is enough. Done is better than perfect. Your goal is to create a feeling—not a commercial.
📌 Upload your video to your career page, share it on social media, and even link it in job postings. It’s one of the fastest ways to stand out in a sea of beige job ads.
✔️ Compensation Still Reigns -Therapists want to be paid well. That hasn’t changed—and it’s still the #1 driver for job decisions. Your job now?
Make your compensation structure as generous as possible without compromising sustainability. Once you’ve nailed that structure?
Show it off. Loudly. Proudly. Publicly.
Here are a few incentives I’ve seen massage employers using effectively today:
- Sign-on bonuses – A little welcome gift goes a long way in a competitive market.
- Retention bonuses – Offer milestone bonuses at 6 or 12 months to encourage longevity.
- Referral bonuses – Reward current team members who help bring in other quality hires. (They’re your best recruiters!)
The hiring landscape may be challenging, but it’s not hopeless. The businesses that are thriving right now? They’re the ones who’ve adapted. They’ve shifted from “help wanted” to “here’s why we’re worth working for.”
Want support building a team that actually sticks? Let’s talk—I help massage businesses develop hiring systems and cultures that therapists are drawn to.