NOC 2021 · 32201 · TEER 2
NOC 32201: Massage therapists
Official NOC 2021, Job Bank and IRCC data · checked 21 October 2026
Massage therapists assess soft tissues and joints of the body for treatment and prevention of dysfunction, injury, pain and physical disorders. They work in private practice, including group or team practices, hospitals, clinics, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centres and educational institutions.
TEER
TEER 2
Usually needs a college diploma, an apprenticeship of 2 or more years, or supervisory work
Median wage (Canada)
$32,867 / year
Job Bank, 2021
High-wage tier (from 3 Nov 2026)
Not on the list
No high-wage CRS points
Express Entry categories
Healthcare and social services
Category-based draws (2026)
Express Entry
How NOC 32201 counts for Express Entry
- Federal Skilled Worker: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of continuous skilled (TEER 0–3) work in the last 10 years and 67 points on the FSW grid.
- Canadian Experience Class: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of skilled (TEER 0–3) work in Canada in the last 3 years.
- Federal Skilled Trades: not eligibleNeeds 2 years of work in an eligible trade group in the last 5 years, plus a job offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification.
High-wage CRS points
NOC 32201 is not one of IRCC's 186 high-wage occupations, so Canadian work or a job offer in it earns no high-wage points. Your usual Canadian work-length points still count.
See all 186 high-wage occupationsCategory-based draws
- Healthcare and social services
At least 12 months of full-time work experience (or equal part-time) in the past 3 years in one listed occupation, plus Express Entry eligibility and the round instructions.
IRCC category listsDuties
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Assess clients by conducting range of motion and muscle tests and propose treatment plans
- Explain procedures, risks and benefits to clients
- Administer massage techniques, treating soft tissues and joints of the body through soft tissue manipulation, relaxation techniques, hydrotherapy, trigger point therapy, joint pain and lower grade mobilizations, remedial exercise programs and client self-help programs
- Suggest home care instructions and provide information about techniques for further postural improvement and stretching, strengthening, relaxation and rehabilitative exercises
- Maintain records of treatments given
- May consult with other health care professionals such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, physicians and psychologists when developing treatment plans for clients.
- Massage therapists may be trained in various specialized massage techniques.
For Express Entry, your experience must match the lead statement and most of these duties, not only the job title.
Job titles
Example job titles
- massage therapist (MT)
- registered massage practitioner
- registered massage therapist (RMT)
All 8 job titles in NOC 32201
- massage therapist (MT)
- masso kinesitherapist
- massotherapist
- myotherapist
- orthotherapist
- registered massage practitioner
- registered massage therapist (RMT)
- Thai massage therapist
Requirements
Employment requirements
- Massage therapists usually require completion of an 18- to 24-month or 18- to 36-month program in massage therapy from an accredited school and a period of supervised practical training.
- Registration with a regulatory body is required in Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario and British Columbia.
Wages
Wages for NOC 32201 in Canada
Low, median and high wages per year in Canadian dollars, from ESDC Job Bank's 2025 wage data. This occupation is reported at an annual rate.
| Region | Low | Median | High | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $32,867 | $32,867 | $62,400 | 2021 Census, 2021 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | — | $36,400 | — | 2021 Census, 2021 |
| Prince Edward Island | — | $40,800 | — | 2021 Census, 2021 |
| Nova Scotia | $35,128 | $35,128 | $56,000 | 2021 Census, 2021 |
| New Brunswick | $33,481 | $33,481 | $56,000 | 2021 Census, 2021 |
| Quebec | $33,109 | $33,109 | $49,200 | 2021 Census, 2021 |
| Ontario | $37,561 | $37,561 | $57,200 | 2021 Census, 2021 |
| Manitoba | $34,810 | $34,810 | $50,400 | 2021 Census, 2021 |
| Saskatchewan | $34,747 | $40,800 | $67,500 | 2021 Census, 2021 |
| Alberta | $32,867 | $32,867 | $63,600 | 2021 Census, 2021 |
| British Columbia | $37,929 | $43,600 | $81,000 | 2021 Census, 2021 |
Provinces with too little data are not shown. Wages vary by city and employer; see Job Bank for regional figures.
Job outlook
Job outlook by province, 2025–2027
Job Bank rates the 3-year outlook as good or very good in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta.
GoodNewfoundland and Labrador
The employment outlook will be Good for massage therapists (NOC 32201) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment decline will lead to the loss of a few positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
Here are some key facts about massage therapists in Newfoundland and Labrador:
Approximately 350 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Massage therapists mainly work in the following sectors:
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): more than 95%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 65% compared to 83% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 35% compared to 17% for all occupations
28% of massage therapists work all year, while 71% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 37 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.
72% of massage therapists are self-employed compared to an average of 8% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 9% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: 91% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 27% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 17% compared to 17% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 62% compared to 23% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 17% compared to 14% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
GoodPrince Edward Island
The employment outlook will be Good for massage therapists (NOC 32201) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
Here are some key facts about massage therapists in Prince Edward Island:
Approximately 100 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Massage therapists mainly work in the following sectors:
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 84%
Other services (except public administration) (NAICS 81): 12%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 74% compared to 84% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 26% compared to 16% for all occupations
32% of massage therapists work all year, while 68% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 36 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.
70% of massage therapists are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 10% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: 90% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 79% compared to 25% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 17% compared to 17% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
GoodNova Scotia
The employment outlook will be Good for massage therapists (NOC 32201) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
The aging population has been a key factor supporting growth in demand for services, as well as expanding private medical insurance coverage and growing usage of massage therapy in the treatment of pain in primary care. In addition to traditional employment settings such as spas, massage therapists are now an important part of wellness clinics working in conjunction with other health professions. The profession is physically demanding and can result in early-career attrition. Some clinics have reported difficulty in filling vacancies, especially in smaller communities throughout Nova Scotia.
Here are some key facts about massage therapists in Nova Scotia:
Approximately 1,050 people work in this occupation.
Massage therapists mainly work in the following sectors:
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 87%
Personal and laundry services (NAICS 812): 11%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 64% compared to 82% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 36% compared to 18% for all occupations
24% of massage therapists work all year, while 76% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 38 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
64% of massage therapists are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 14% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: 86% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 27% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 8% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 67% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 22% compared to 20% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations
GoodNew Brunswick
The employment outlook will be Good for massage therapists (NOC 32201) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
Demand for this occupation should remain steady due to the province’s growing and ageing population.
In order to practice massage therapy in New Brunswick, massage therapists must complete an accredited massage therapy program and pass the Association of New Brunswick Massage Therapists (ANBMT) certification exam.
Liability insurance is generally required while practicing in New Brunswick.
Self-employment is very common in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about massage therapists in New Brunswick:
Approximately 900 people work in this occupation.
Massage therapists mainly work in the following sectors:
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 85%
Personal and laundry services (NAICS 812): 9%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 74% compared to 84% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 26% compared to 16% for all occupations
33% of massage therapists work all year, while 67% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
77% of massage therapists are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 9% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 91% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 30% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 15% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 65% compared to 23% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 16% compared to 16% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations
GoodQuebec
The employment outlook will be Good for massage therapists (NOC 32201) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about massage therapists in Quebec:
Approximately 7,550 people work in this occupation.
Massage therapists mainly work in the following sectors:
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 63%
Personal and laundry services (NAICS 812): 30%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 42% compared to 82% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 57% compared to 18% for all occupations
26% of massage therapists work all year, while 74% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 37 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
87% of massage therapists are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 20% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 80% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 9% compared to 19% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 42% compared to 19% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 33% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 13% compared to 17% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
GoodOntario
The employment outlook will be Good for massage therapists (NOC 32201) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
What Types of Employers Are Out There?
The majority of massage therapists are self-employed in private practices
What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?
Demand for massage services is expected to increase to meet the needs of a growing and aging population
Growing use of complementary and alternative treatments such as massage therapy to manage chronic illnesses, and acute pain
Consumers’ ability to pay the full or partial cost of massage therapy services
What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?
Registration with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) is required to practise massage therapy
What Other Information Will I Find Helpful?
Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends to meet client needs.
Here are some key facts about massage therapists in Ontario:
Approximately 15,850 people work in this occupation.
Massage therapists mainly work in the following sectors:
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 85%
Personal and laundry services (NAICS 812): 8%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 53% compared to 81% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 47% compared to 19% for all occupations
20% of massage therapists work all year, while 80% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 37 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
86% of massage therapists are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 21% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 79% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 25% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 6% compared to 8% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 62% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 23% compared to 24% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 5% compared to 13% for all occupations
GoodSaskatchewan
The employment outlook will be Good for massage therapists (NOC 32201) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about massage therapists in Saskatchewan:
Approximately 1,400 people work in this occupation.
Massage therapists mainly work in the following sectors:
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 82%
Personal and laundry services (NAICS 812): 15%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 63% compared to 81% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 37% compared to 19% for all occupations
27% of massage therapists work all year, while 73% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 39 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
87% of massage therapists are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 16% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 84% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 6% compared to 33% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 13% compared to 15% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 72% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 7% compared to 18% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations
GoodAlberta
The employment outlook will be Good for massage therapists (NOC 32201) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Alberta’s population and its proportion of residents aged 65+ are predicted to increase over the next decade, contributing to demand for this occupation.
In 2025, Alberta increased total health spending to $28 billion, marking a 5.4% rise from the previous year.
Ongoing healthcare needs and retirements continue to support steady demand across the sector.
Here are some key facts about massage therapists in Alberta:
Approximately 5,750 people work in this occupation.
Massage therapists mainly work in the following sectors:
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 79%
Personal and laundry services (NAICS 812): 13%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 48% compared to 80% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 52% compared to 20% for all occupations
20% of massage therapists work all year, while 80% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 35 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
77% of massage therapists are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 13% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 87% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 6% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 14% compared to 13% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 64% compared to 19% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 13% compared to 21% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
ModerateManitoba
The employment outlook will be Moderate for massage therapists (NOC 32201) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about massage therapists in Manitoba:
Approximately 1,800 people work in this occupation.
Massage therapists mainly work in the following sectors:
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 91%
Personal and laundry services (NAICS 812): 5%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 56% compared to 81% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 43% compared to 19% for all occupations
28% of massage therapists work all year, while 71% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 40 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
78% of massage therapists are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 18% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 82% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 31% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 7% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 71% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 14% compared to 20% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
ModerateBritish Columbia
The employment outlook will be Moderate for massage therapists (NOC 32201) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about massage therapists in British Columbia:
Approximately 6,150 people work in this occupation.
Massage therapists mainly work in the following sectors:
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 83%
Personal and laundry services (NAICS 812): 11%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 52% compared to 78% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 48% compared to 22% for all occupations
20% of massage therapists work all year, while 80% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 37 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
82% of massage therapists are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 23% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 77% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 6% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 12% compared to 13% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 60% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 18% compared to 22% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
UndeterminedNorthwest Territories
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNunavut
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
Source: ESDC Job Bank, 3-year employment outlooks 2025–2027 (released December 2025).
Provinces
Provincial Nominee Programs
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points. Most provinces run occupation-targeted draws or in-demand lists, and some accept TEER 4 and 5 occupations that Express Entry does not.
Provincial lists change often, sometimes between draws. We check whether NOC 32201 is being targeted by any province as part of a consultation.
Similar occupations
Related NOC codes
Classified elsewhere
If your duties fit one of these better, use that code instead.
- 32209 Other practitioners of natural healing
- 32109 Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
- 32200 Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists
Same occupation group
Practitioners of natural healing
- 32200 Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists
- 32209 Other practitioners of natural healing
Questions
NOC 32201: common questions
What is the NOC code for massage therapists?
What TEER category is NOC 32201?
Is NOC 32201 eligible for Express Entry?
Is NOC 32201 a high-wage occupation for Express Entry?
Is NOC 32201 eligible for category-based Express Entry draws?
What is the median wage for NOC 32201 in Canada?
Classification
Where it sits in NOC 2021
- 3Health occupationsBroad Category
- 32Technical occupations in healthMajor Group
- 322Practitioners of natural healingSub-major Group
- 3220Practitioners of natural healingMinor Group
- 32201Massage therapists
Enquiry
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Tell us your duties, experience and language scores. We will confirm your NOC code and the Canadian routes that fit.
Sources: Statistics Canada, NOC 2021 Version 1.0, Job Bank wages (2025), Job Bank outlooks 2025–2027 and IRCC. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Checked 21 October 2026.
NOC 2026 is due from Statistics Canada in December 2026. IRCC still uses NOC 2021 codes, and this page will show any change once IRCC switches.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada, IRCC or ESDC.
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