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What's the best path to earn the most money after graduating massage school?
I'm going to school at National Holistic Institute in Sacramento and plan to either stay in the area or move elsewhere in California.
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Dr’s Answer
Hey Elizabeth! Congrats on taking the step into massage therapy, honestly, that’s an awesome and flexible career path. If your goal is to earn the most after graduating from National Holistic Institute (NHI), here’s what I can say which I hope helps a bit.
First things first, make sure you’re fully licensed in California (CAMTC certification). Without that, it’s hard to get good-paying jobs. So try to get that like asap.
2. Massage therapists can work in spas, gyms, medical offices, or as freelancers. The highest earners usually:
- Work in medical or chiropractic clinics (especially in sports therapy or injury rehab).
- Start their own mobile or private practice, more work up front, but way more profit over time.
- Offer specialized services like prenatal, deep tissue, or sports massage. Specialization = higher rates.
3. Sacramento is solid, but consider higher-income areas like San Francisco, San Diego, or parts of LA where clients tip better and pay more for sessions. Even in Sacramento, choosing neighborhoods with wealthier demographics can help.
4. Build a Client Base Online like, Use Instagram, Yelp, Google My Business, and TikTok to build your brand. Show what makes your technique or vibe unique. Word-of-mouth and loyal repeat clients just would be long-term income.
5. Add Skills Over Time, means, Consider adding certifications in cupping, hot stone, lymphatic drainage, or Thai massage. These can set you apart and justify higher rates.
Remember, massage therapy income grows fast once you get clients who trust you. Good luck and feel free to reach out anytime.
Start shadowing or interning at clinics or spas that pay commission + tips while in school.
Set up a basic website or booking page before graduating.
Join massage therapist Facebook groups in California—there are always clients and jobs being posted.
Ask NHI alumni what paths worked best for them financially.
Consider working part-time at a high-end spa while you build your private clientele.
First things first, make sure you’re fully licensed in California (CAMTC certification). Without that, it’s hard to get good-paying jobs. So try to get that like asap.
2. Massage therapists can work in spas, gyms, medical offices, or as freelancers. The highest earners usually:
- Work in medical or chiropractic clinics (especially in sports therapy or injury rehab).
- Start their own mobile or private practice, more work up front, but way more profit over time.
- Offer specialized services like prenatal, deep tissue, or sports massage. Specialization = higher rates.
3. Sacramento is solid, but consider higher-income areas like San Francisco, San Diego, or parts of LA where clients tip better and pay more for sessions. Even in Sacramento, choosing neighborhoods with wealthier demographics can help.
4. Build a Client Base Online like, Use Instagram, Yelp, Google My Business, and TikTok to build your brand. Show what makes your technique or vibe unique. Word-of-mouth and loyal repeat clients just would be long-term income.
5. Add Skills Over Time, means, Consider adding certifications in cupping, hot stone, lymphatic drainage, or Thai massage. These can set you apart and justify higher rates.
Remember, massage therapy income grows fast once you get clients who trust you. Good luck and feel free to reach out anytime.
Dr recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Elizabeth !
Wow, it's great that you are going into spa massage in the awesome city of Sacramento which is a perfect place to do this work !
I have lived in Sacramento and, over the years, kept close track of the advancements in Sac and am happy to say it's a great location and demographic for your career. And remember, you also have nearby Fair Oaks, Carmichael, Citrus Heights, West Sacramento and Folsom. I cannot believe how great Folsom has blossomed over the years !
I just want to start out by saying that no one at all can tell you how much money you'd make. Your pay will be determined as you go along and by the employers and/or clients you have when you set private prices for yourself. Ask your instructors at the school what spa massage professionals are asking for. They're priced according to the type of massage you're offering. You will eventually create a menu of your services and set your own prices. People who are doing this in smaller cities/towns than Sacramento are charging anywhere from $75.00 to $100.00 per hour depending on the specific type of massage. A typical massage is for 60 minutes.
My advice is to start out working for a spa at first. You'll get a salary and be assigned clients. After some time, you can consider either opening your own spa business and/or working freelance doing home visit massage going to clients' homes with your table, oils and tools. But my suggestion is to begin at an already established spa so you can learn the ins and outs of running your own spa eventually. Sacramento needs you !
So instead of having in mind the money, learn all the varieties of massage you possibly can: Swedish, Stone, Cupping, Gua Sha, deep Tissue and all the many types of services you could provide to future clients. Focus on the techniques and applications for now and the money will surely come later.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best in this fabulous career !
Wow, it's great that you are going into spa massage in the awesome city of Sacramento which is a perfect place to do this work !
I have lived in Sacramento and, over the years, kept close track of the advancements in Sac and am happy to say it's a great location and demographic for your career. And remember, you also have nearby Fair Oaks, Carmichael, Citrus Heights, West Sacramento and Folsom. I cannot believe how great Folsom has blossomed over the years !
I just want to start out by saying that no one at all can tell you how much money you'd make. Your pay will be determined as you go along and by the employers and/or clients you have when you set private prices for yourself. Ask your instructors at the school what spa massage professionals are asking for. They're priced according to the type of massage you're offering. You will eventually create a menu of your services and set your own prices. People who are doing this in smaller cities/towns than Sacramento are charging anywhere from $75.00 to $100.00 per hour depending on the specific type of massage. A typical massage is for 60 minutes.
My advice is to start out working for a spa at first. You'll get a salary and be assigned clients. After some time, you can consider either opening your own spa business and/or working freelance doing home visit massage going to clients' homes with your table, oils and tools. But my suggestion is to begin at an already established spa so you can learn the ins and outs of running your own spa eventually. Sacramento needs you !
So instead of having in mind the money, learn all the varieties of massage you possibly can: Swedish, Stone, Cupping, Gua Sha, deep Tissue and all the many types of services you could provide to future clients. Focus on the techniques and applications for now and the money will surely come later.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best in this fabulous career !
Thanks for your encouragement!
Vi