$35K - $70K/yr
Salary Range
7+
Job Titles
10+
Top Cities
5
Certifications
What is a Spa Therapist?
A spa therapist is a wellness professional who provides massage, body treatments, and relaxation services. They work in day spas, resort spas, wellness centers, and medical facilities to promote client relaxation and wellbeing.
What Spa Therapists Do
- Perform various massage modalities (Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone)
- Provide body treatments, wraps, and scrubs
- Conduct wellness consultations
- Create personalized treatment plans
- Maintain treatment rooms and equipment
- Educate clients on wellness practices
Typical Spa Therapist Job Titles
Spa Therapist Salary & Career Path
Average Salary Range
$35K - $70K/yr
Median: $48,000/yr
Entry Level
0-2 years: Spa Therapist ($35K-$42K/year + tips)
Mid Level
3-7 years: Senior Therapist ($45K-$55K/year + tips)
Senior Level
8+ years: Lead Therapist, Spa Manager ($55K-$70K+/year)
Skills & Requirements
Required Skills
- Swedish massage
- Deep tissue massage
- Body treatments
- Client assessment
- Anatomy knowledge
- Draping techniques
- Pressure techniques
- Customer service
Preferred Certifications
- State Massage Therapy License
- National Certification (NCBTMB)
- Specialty modality certifications
- Aromatherapy certification
- Hot stone certification
Education Requirements
Completion of a state-approved massage therapy program (typically 500-1,000 hours) and passing state and/or national licensing exams.
Top Cities for Spa Therapist Jobs
Related Roles
Frequently Asked Questions
Spa therapist is a broader term that includes massage therapists but also covers body treatment specialists who perform wraps, scrubs, and other spa services. Massage therapist specifically refers to licensed professionals who perform massage.
Spa therapists earn $35,000 to $70,000+ per year. Resort and luxury spa positions typically pay more. Tips can add 15-25% to base income, and senior positions may include benefits and bonuses.
Massage therapy programs typically require 500-1,000 hours, taking 6-12 months. Additional training for body treatments and specialty modalities can be completed through continuing education.
Yes! Resort spas are popular employers for spa therapists. These positions often include benefits like employee housing, meals, and access to resort amenities in addition to competitive pay.