Canada Kneads Massage Therapists: Why the RMT Job Market Has Never Looked Better

If you've ever considered a career in massage therapy, the data couldn't be more encouraging. According to the Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) — the federal government's official labour market forecasting body — Canada is facing a moderate and persistent shortage of Registered Massage Therapists, a trend projected to continue straight through to 2033.

In short: the country needs more RMTs, and it needs them now.

A Decade of Demand

The numbers tell a compelling story. Between 2024 and 2033, approximately 21,500 new job openings are projected for massage therapists across Canada. Employment in the sector is expected to grow by 18% over that same period — a rate that significantly outpaces the national average across all occupations.

What's driving this? Two powerful forces. First, Canada's population is aging, and older Canadians are the highest consumers of therapeutic massage services. Second, massage therapy is increasingly recognized not as a luxury, but as a legitimate and vital component of mainstream healthcare — integrated into physiotherapy clinics, hospitals, sports medicine facilities, and corporate wellness programs.

Where the Opportunity Is Greatest

While demand exists coast to coast, high demand for RMTs is particularly concentrated in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta — three of Canada's most populous and economically active provinces. Graduates who establish themselves in these markets are especially well-positioned for long-term career stability.

What Can You Earn?

According to Indeed, the average annual salary for massage therapists across Canada is just over $95,000. Experienced practitioners — particularly those running their own private practice or working in specialized settings — frequently earn between $100,000 and $120,000 annually, and sometimes more depending on location and area of focus.

This is not a career path that asks you to choose between passion and income. For the right person, it offers both.

Is Now the Right Time to Train?

If you're weighing your options, the labour market data makes a strong case for acting sooner rather than later. With demand consistently exceeding supply and no sign of that changing before 2033, graduates entering the field in the next few years are stepping into one of the most favourable job markets the profession has seen.

At Royal Canadian College of Massage Therapy, we train students to be practice-ready, confident, and equipped for long careers in a field that genuinely matters. If you've been thinking about it, this might be the sign you were looking for.

Sources: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS), Employment and Social Development Canada (occupations.esdc.gc.ca); Indeed Canada salary data (2024).