- Salary statistics
- Massör
Massör
30 000 - 30 300 kr / month
Kropps- & skönhetsvård
Salary progression Massör
What does a massage therapist do? – Tasks and work environment
A massage therapist works with treating and preventing muscular problems through various forms of massage. Tasks often include analyzing the client's needs, performing massage techniques tailored to the individual, and providing advice on ergonomics and recovery. The work usually takes place at clinics, gyms, spa facilities, or independently. The work environment is often calm and client-oriented, but massage therapists can also work on-site at companies or sports events where the pace may be faster and working positions more varied.
Salary development over time
The salary development for massage therapists has shown a relatively stable level over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,100 SEK per month, which increased to 30 948 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has settled at 30 300 SEK per month, representing a slight decrease of approximately 2.1% compared to the previous year. This trend reflects a market where demand is steady, but competition and opportunities for full-time employment vary. Salary changes can partly be explained by many massage therapists working part-time and the industry being affected by economic conditions and private spending on wellness services. Despite small fluctuations, the salary level remains relatively stable, and the job market is considered good according to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts.
Massage therapist salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 30 300 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 182 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Data not available
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a massage therapist, a vocational training in massage is usually required, typically lasting between six months and a year. Many employers prefer that the massage therapist has certification from a professional organization, which increases credibility and facilitates employment. Practical components and internships are central parts of the training, and further education in areas like sports massage or medical massage can broaden career opportunities.
- Training: Vocational education (6–12 months)
- Certification: Swedish Industry Council for Massage or equivalent
- Internship: Common part of the training
- Prerequisites: Often high school diploma, sometimes basic anatomy/physiology
- Further education: Sports massage, medical massage, self-employment
Many massage therapists choose to work part-time or combine the profession with other health roles, which provides flexibility but requires building their own client relationships. A strong network and good communication skills can therefore be crucial for a successful career.
Common benefits and compensations
Massage therapists are often offered wellness allowances, access to gyms or training facilities, and discounted treatments. Some employers also offer further training, flexible working hours, and commission-based pay in addition to base salary. For self-employed practitioners, the ability to control working hours and client selection is considered an important benefit.
Competition and challenges
The job market for massage therapists is characterized by high demand but also competition from both trained and untrained actors. Recruitment difficulties occur, especially for full-time positions, as many choose to work part-time or as self-employed. Challenges include building a stable client base, staying updated with new treatment methods, and managing physically demanding workdays. The industry’s sensitivity to economic fluctuations can also affect workload, especially during times of decreased private consumption. At the same time, those who are engaged and have good marketing skills have strong opportunities to establish a secure position in the job market.
Tips for aspiring massage therapists
To succeed as a massage therapist, it is good to have a genuine interest in people's well-being and to be attentive to clients' needs. Precision is important to tailor treatments to individual conditions and avoid injuries. Being service-oriented and communicative facilitates interactions with clients and contributes to long-term relationships. Entrepreneurial spirit can be decisive, especially for those planning to work as self-employed or combine the profession with other health services. Flexibility and the ability to handle irregular working hours are also valuable traits, as work often involves bookings in evenings and weekends. Continual education and staying updated on new techniques strengthen competitiveness. Finally, physical endurance is an advantage, as the work can be demanding for the back and arms.
Key facts about Massage Therapists
- Education level: Vocational training, 6–12 months
- Work environment: Clinic, spa, gym, or own practice
- Work form: Commonly part-time or self-employed
- Demand: Great opportunities nationwide
- Special skills: Anatomy, physiology, customer service
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a massage therapist can develop into a specialist in areas such as sports massage, medical massage, or start their own business. Many choose to combine the profession with other health-promoting roles, such as personal trainer or health coach. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, opportunities for work are large, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Recruitment difficulties occur, particularly for full-time positions, but the number of available jobs within the profession remains stable. Those who pursue further education and build networks have good chances of establishing a long-term and diverse career.
Frequently asked questions about Massage Therapists
- What is the average salary of a massage therapist?
- A massage therapist has an average monthly salary of 30 300 SEK. - What does the hourly wage look like for a massage therapist?
- The hourly wage is approximately 182 SEK for hourly employees. - Is certification required to work as a massage therapist?
- Certification is often advantageous but not always a requirement; many employers prefer it. - How long is the training to become a massage therapist?
- The training typically takes between 6–12 months. - Is it easy to find a job as a massage therapist?
- The job market is considered good with ample opportunities, especially for those who can work flexibly. - What work environments are common for massage therapists?
- Typically, massage therapists work in clinics, spas, gyms, or as self-employed. - Are there opportunities for further education?
- Yes, there are many advanced training options such as sports massage and medical massage.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30000 kr | 30300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30000 kr | 30300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30000 kr | 30300 kr |
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Massör has the SSYK code 5143, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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