How to become a massage therapist in Australia | Guide & salary
Discover how to become a massage therapist in Australia. Learn about the required massage therapist qualifications, duties, the salary range and career paths.
Are you passionate about health, wellness and helping people feel better? A career as a massage therapist might be perfect for you.
This rewarding role blends anatomy knowledge, hands-on skills and personal care to support clients in relieving stress, tension and pain. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to become a massage therapist in Australia, what massage therapy qualifications you need, the kinds of work environments you can expect, the benefits of choosing massage therapy as your career and the average massage therapist salary in Australia.
What does a massage therapist do?
Massage therapists work with clients to improve physical function, manage pain and promote relaxation through various therapeutic techniques. Some key responsibilities include:
Conducting client health assessments and consultations
Delivering massage treatments tailored to individual needs
Using therapeutic techniques such as Swedish, deep tissue, sports or remedial massage
Advising on stretches or lifestyle adjustments to improve outcomes
Managing appointment bookings and maintaining treatment records
Why choose a career in massage therapy?
Massage therapy offers a fulfilling and flexible career path. Benefits include:
Job flexibility: Work in clinics, spas, gyms, aged care, sports facilities or run your own business
Career satisfaction: Help clients feel better physically and emotionally
Growing demand: Increasing focus on holistic health and self-care
Work-life balance: Many therapists set their own schedules
Diverse career options: You can specialise in sports, pregnancy or remedial massage
These benefits make massage therapy a reliable and satisfying career with plenty of room to specialise professionally.
How to become a massage therapist in Australia: A step-by-step guide
If you're considering becoming a masseuse, here’s a simple breakdown of the steps involved, from understanding the role to gaining qualifications, experience and professional recognition.
1. Understand the role
Before starting your training, learn about what it’s really like to work as a massage therapist. It’s a physically demanding yet rewarding role where empathy, professionalism and communication skills are essential.
2. Complete your qualifications
To work as a massage therapist in Australia, you'll need to complete nationally recognised training. Depending on your career goals, you can start with a foundational qualification or go further with advanced study.
Certificate IV in Massage Therapy (HLT42021)
The entry-level qualification to become a qualified massage therapist
Covers anatomy, physiology, client assessment, treatment planning and hands-on massage techniques
Includes supervised clinical practice
Diploma of Remedial Massage (HLT52021)
Offers advanced training in soft tissue dysfunction, rehabilitation and specialised techniques
Can increase job opportunities and earning potential
Required for private health fund provider numbers
Get Certified as a Massage Therapist
3. Gain practical experience
Most courses include clinical placement or practical components to help you build confidence and real-world skills. During placement, you’ll work on real clients under supervision and refine your techniques.
4. Get registered and get professional recognition
While there is no legal registration requirement, many massage therapists join industry associations such as:
These bodies provide professional recognition, ongoing training opportunities and eligibility for health fund rebates.
5. Look for massage therapy job opportunities.
As a qualified massage therapist, you’ll find diverse and rewarding career paths available to you. Employment opportunities exist in a variety of settings, including:
Wellness clinics, where clients seek ongoing support for stress, pain, and general wellbeing
Day spas and health retreats, offering relaxation-focused treatments in serene environments
Allied health practices, working alongside physiotherapists, allied health professionals, chiropractors or naturopaths
Corporate and mobile massage services, providing on-site therapy to busy professionals
Self-employment, with the option to build your own private practice or run a mobile business on your terms
Massage therapist salary in Australia
Understanding potential earnings can help you make informed decisions about your future career. Massage therapist salaries in Australia vary based on experience, qualifications and work setting. According to jobsandskills.gov.au, massage therapists have a median weekly earning of $1,472.
Entry-level pay:
Massage therapists starting out can earn around $55,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on location and employment setting.
Experienced professionals:
With additional training or self-employment, income can exceed $80,000 annually, especially for remedial massage therapists with health fund provider numbers.
[Secondary source: Seek]
FAQs about becoming a massage therapist in Australia
What qualifications do you need to be a massage therapist in Australia?
• At minimum, the Certificate IV in Massage Therapy.
• The Diploma of Remedial Massage is recommended for advanced skills in providing targeted treatments for injury management, pain relief and rehabilitation and higher employability.
How long does it take to become a massage therapist? Full-time study typically takes:
• A minimum of 8 months for the Certificate IV; and
• A minimum of 12 months for the Diploma.
Alternatively, at IAH, you can choose a part-time study schedule to fit your studies around work, family or other commitments.
Is massage therapy a good career in Australia?
Yes. Massage therapy is a growing field with flexible work options, self-employment opportunities and a strong focus on wellbeing and makes for a satisfying, fulfilling career.
Can I work for myself as a massage therapist?
Yes, you absolutely can work for yourself as a massage therapist. Many therapists operate mobile massage businesses or run their own clinics.
Do I need to be registered to work as a massage therapist?
You don’t need to be legally registered to work as a massage therapist in Australia, but joining a professional association is recommended for credibility and client trust.
Why choose the Institute of Allied Health?
At the Institute of Allied Health (IAH), we specialise in flexible, industry-leading education.
Why students choose us:
• Guarantee of education excellence: With over 30 years of experience, IAH has set the benchmark for healthcare training.
• #1 graduate outcome program: Our alumni receive free mentoring and access to employment networks.
• 21-day money-back guarantee: Start your course confidently knowing you are fully supported.
Start your career in massage therapy
Now that you understand the pathway to becoming a massage therapist in Australia and the qualifications required, what comes next is up to you. Massage therapy is a rewarding, hands-on career with real potential for growth and impact.
Whether you're beginning with the Certificate IV in Massage Therapy or advancing with the Diploma of Remedial Massage, the Institute of Allied Health is here to support you every step of the way.
