Massage Therapist
Licensed therapist who manipulates muscles and soft tissue to relieve pain and aid recovery.
Overview
A Massage Therapist is a trained individual who is licensed or certified to provide massage. He or she therapeutically manipulates the muscles and other soft tissues of the body using one or both hands or an instrument.
Where they work
- Health Centres
- Wellness Clinics
- Massage Studios
- Spas
Work environment
You are likely to work in varied spaces depending on whether you are part of an organization or self-employed. You are either likely to work in health centres, wellness clinics, massage studios or spas, or visit clients in their homes. You are likely to spend a lot of time on your feet. Unless you are self-employed, you are likely to work at least 40 hours a week. Entrepreneurship: you can choose to start your own Spa or Massage Therapy Centre.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You are interested in healing people
- You have good communication skills
- You pay attention to details
- You have interest in understanding how the human body functions
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Biology)
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (B.Sc.) in Massage Therapy/Beauty and Spa Management.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree (M.Sc.) in the same field.
Alternative route 3
- 1Pursue a Diploma/certificate course in Massage Therapy/Ayurveda Massage/Panchakarma Therapy and so on.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Applied Science. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, Kerala
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Kavikulguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, Nagpur, Maharashtra
- Apex Professional University, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh
- Global Open University, Dimapur, Nagaland
- Ananda Spa Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana
- School of Ayurveda and Panchakarma, Kannur, Kerala
- VLCC Institute of Beauty and Nutrition, Ambala, Haryana
- ISAS International Beauty School, Pune, Maharashtra
- Orane International, Mohali, Punjab
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Trainee
- 2Masseuse
- 3Head Masseur
Expected income
₹16,500 – ₹3,00,000 per month or more
The figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Aromatherapist
Alternative healer who uses essential oils and aromas to promote healing and wellness.
Physiotherapist
Treats injury and restores movement and function using massage, exercise and other techniques.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to helping people.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Navnita Gautam — The Massage Therapist for the IPL Team, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). She has a Bachelor's in Athletic and Exercise Therapy from Camosun College, Canada. Prior to joining the RCB support staff in 2019, she worked with the Toronto Nationals team in the Global T20 Canada. Also, the 29-year-old has served as a support staff member for the Indian Women's Basketball Team during their Asia Cup campaign.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 365 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Massage_Therapist/Hourly_Rate
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.