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Massage Therapists

Job Zone
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

  • Massage and knead muscles and soft tissues of the body to provide treatment for medical conditions, injuries, or wellness maintenance.98
  • Apply finger and hand pressure to specific points of the body.96
  • Confer with clients about their medical histories and problems with stress or pain to determine how massage will be most helpful.93
  • Maintain massage areas by restocking supplies or sanitizing equipment.89
  • Treat clients in professional settings or travel to clients' offices and homes.89
  • Develop and propose client treatment plans that specify which types of massage are to be used.82
  • Provide clients with guidance and information about techniques for postural improvement and stretching, strengthening, relaxation, and rehabilitative exercises.79
  • Maintain treatment records.79
  • Assess clients' soft tissue condition, joint quality and function, muscle strength, and range of motion.78
  • Refer clients to other types of therapists when necessary.66
  • Perform other adjunctive therapies or treatment techniques in addition to massage.65
  • Consult with other health care professionals, such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, physicians, and psychologists, to develop treatment plans for clients.63
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  • Prepare and blend oils and apply the blends to clients' skin.60
  • Use complementary aids, such as infrared lamps, wet compresses, ice, and whirlpool baths to promote clients' recovery, relaxation, and well-being.41

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

  • Active Listening66

    Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

  • Speaking63

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Service Orientation53

    Actively looking for ways to help people.

  • Social Perceptiveness53

    Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

  • Critical Thinking50

    Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

  • Judgment and Decision Making50

    Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

  • Reading Comprehension50

    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

  • Complex Problem Solving47

    Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

  • Monitoring47

    Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

  • Active Learning44

    Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

  • Time Management44

    Managing one's own time and the time of others.

  • Writing44

    Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

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  • Learning Strategies35

    Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

  • Coordination28

    Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

  • Systems Analysis28

    Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

  • Systems Evaluation28

    Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

  • Instructing25

    Teaching others how to do something.

  • Persuasion22

    Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

  • Mathematics19

    Using mathematics to solve problems.

  • Negotiation19

    Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

  • Operations Analysis19

    Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

  • Management of Material Resources16

    Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.

  • Management of Personnel Resources16

    Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

  • Technology Design16

    Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.

  • Science13

    Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

  • Management of Financial Resources6

    Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.

  • Quality Control Analysis6

    Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

  • Troubleshooting3

    Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

  • Equipment Maintenance0

    Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

  • Equipment Selection0

    Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

  • Installation0

    Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

  • Operation and Control0

    Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

  • Operations Monitoring0

    Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

  • Programming0

    Writing computer programs for various purposes.

  • Repairing0

    Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

  • Customer and Personal Service74

    Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

  • English Language54

    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

  • Biology53

    Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

  • Medicine and Dentistry51

    Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

  • Psychology47

    Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

  • Education and Training45

    Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

  • Therapy and Counseling42

    Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

  • Sales and Marketing36

    Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

  • Administrative35

    Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

  • Public Safety and Security35

    Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

  • Law and Government31

    Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

  • Administration and Management29

    Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

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  • Sociology and Anthropology26

    Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.

  • Communications and Media23

    Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

  • Economics and Accounting22

    Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

  • Philosophy and Theology22

    Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.

  • Personnel and Human Resources21

    Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

  • Computers and Electronics15

    Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

  • Foreign Language14

    Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.

  • Production and Processing14

    Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

  • Mathematics13

    Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

  • Chemistry11

    Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

  • Physics11

    Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

  • Telecommunications9

    Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

  • History and Archeology8

    Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

  • Engineering and Technology7

    Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

  • Mechanical6

    Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

  • Transportation6

    Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

  • Design5

    Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

  • Fine Arts3

    Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

  • Geography3

    Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

  • Building and Construction1

    Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

  • Food Production0

    Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

  • Dynamic Strength69

    The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.

  • Trunk Strength69

    The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.

  • Oral Comprehension66

    The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

  • Manual Dexterity63

    The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

  • Oral Expression63

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

  • Multilimb Coordination56

    The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

  • Extent Flexibility53

    The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

  • Finger Dexterity53

    The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

  • Stamina53

    The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness50

    The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

  • Deductive Reasoning50

    The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

  • Fluency of Ideas50

    The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

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  • Inductive Reasoning50

    The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

  • Near Vision50

    The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

  • Problem Sensitivity50

    The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

  • Speech Clarity50

    The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

  • Speech Recognition50

    The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

  • Written Comprehension50

    The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

  • Information Ordering47

    The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

  • Selective Attention47

    The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

  • Static Strength47

    The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

  • Category Flexibility44

    The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

  • Written Expression44

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

  • Originality41

    The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

  • Wrist-Finger Speed31

    The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.

  • Flexibility of Closure28

    The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

  • Memorization28

    The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.

  • Far Vision25

    The ability to see details at a distance.

  • Perceptual Speed25

    The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

  • Speed of Closure25

    The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.

  • Gross Body Coordination22

    The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.

  • Gross Body Equilibrium22

    The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

  • Time Sharing22

    The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).

  • Visualization22

    The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

  • Dynamic Flexibility19

    The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

  • Explosive Strength19

    The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.

  • Mathematical Reasoning19

    The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

  • Number Facility19

    The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

  • Visual Color Discrimination19

    The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

  • Auditory Attention16

    The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

  • Control Precision16

    The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

  • Speed of Limb Movement16

    The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

  • Depth Perception13

    The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.

  • Hearing Sensitivity10

    The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

  • Spatial Orientation10

    The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.

  • Night Vision3

    The ability to see under low-light conditions.

  • Response Orientation3

    The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.

  • Glare Sensitivity0

    The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.

  • Peripheral Vision0

    The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.

  • Rate Control0

    The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.

  • Reaction Time0

    The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

  • Sound Localization0

    The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

  • Performing General Physical Activities89

    Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

  • Assisting and Caring for Others85

    Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

  • Getting Information81

    Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships68

    Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

  • Documenting/Recording Information66

    Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems66

    Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge66

    Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public64

    Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

  • Handling and Moving Objects58

    Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards55

    Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events51

    Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

  • Thinking Creatively51

    Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

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  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work49

    Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

  • Scheduling Work and Activities49

    Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

  • Performing Administrative Activities44

    Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

  • Developing Objectives and Strategies43

    Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates39

    Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others39

    Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

  • Processing Information38

    Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

  • Training and Teaching Others38

    Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others37

    Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others37

    Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings36

    Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources34

    Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization33

    Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

  • Analyzing Data or Information32

    Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

  • Coaching and Developing Others31

    Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials30

    Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People30

    Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates28

    Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

  • Working with Computers27

    Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

  • Selling or Influencing Others24

    Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

  • Developing and Building Teams23

    Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information22

    Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

  • Staffing Organizational Units17

    Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others15

    Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment13

    Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment10

    Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment9

    Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

  • Controlling Machines and Processes6

    Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment5

    Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

  • Empathy82

    A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

  • Cooperation81

    A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

  • Dependability76

    A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

  • Sincerity71

    A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

  • Social Orientation66

    A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

  • Integrity63

    A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

  • Optimism63

    A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

  • Self-Control59

    A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

  • Cautiousness56

    A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

  • Attention to Detail50

    A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

  • Stress Tolerance43

    A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

  • Humility41

    A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

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  • Initiative39

    A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

  • Perseverance39

    A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

  • Self-Confidence38

    A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

  • Innovation37

    A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

  • Achievement Orientation32

    A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

  • Adaptability32

    A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

  • Tolerance for Ambiguity30

    A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

  • Intellectual Curiosity29

    A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

  • Leadership Orientation8

    A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

  • Social79

    Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

  • Realistic64

    Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

  • Investigative47

    Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

  • Conventional28

    Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

  • Artistic21

    Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

  • Enterprising18

    Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

  • Freedom to Make Decisions

    • A lot of freedom74%
    • Some freedom26%
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

    • A lot of freedom57%
    • Some freedom39%
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

    • Every day81%
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

    • Every day82%
    • Never11%
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

    • Continually or almost continually68%
    • More than half the time18%
    • Less than half the time14%
  • Spend Time Standing

    • Continually or almost continually46%
    • More than half the time46%
  • Contact With Others

    • Constant contact with others61%
    • Contact with others most of the time18%
    • Contact with others about half the time11%
    • Occasional contact with others11%
  • Physical Proximity

    • Very close (near touching)71%
    • Slightly close (e.g., shared office)11%
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

    • Continually or almost continually64%
    • More than half the time11%
    • Never18%
  • Frequency of Decision Making

    • Every day54%
    • Once a week or more but not every day12%
    • Once a year or more but not every month12%
    • Never15%
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

    • Extremely important29%
    • Very important43%
    • Fairly important14%
    • Not important at all11%
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

    • Very important results30%
    • Important results33%
    • Moderate results15%
    • Minor results11%
    • No results11%
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  • Telephone Conversations

    • Every day32%
    • Once a week or more but not every day29%
    • Once a month or more but not every week14%
    • Never18%
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

    • Extremely important39%
    • Very important11%
    • Important21%
    • Fairly important11%
    • Not important at all18%
  • Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

    • Continually or almost continually32%
    • More than half the time18%
    • About half the time18%
    • Less than half the time25%
  • E-Mail

    • Every day29%
    • Once a week or more but not every day21%
    • Once a year or more but not every month18%
    • Never25%
  • Time Pressure

    • Every day43%
    • Once a year or more but not every month29%
    • Never25%
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

    • Extremely important11%
    • Very important29%
    • Important25%
    • Fairly important29%
  • Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

    • Continually or almost continually32%
    • More than half the time11%
    • Less than half the time25%
    • Never32%
  • Level of Competition

    • Highly competitive11%
    • Moderately competitive64%
    • Slightly competitive21%
  • Consequence of Error

    • Extremely serious21%
    • Very serious21%
    • Fairly serious21%
    • Not serious at all32%
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers

    • Very high responsibility21%
    • High responsibility14%
    • Limited responsibility36%
    • No responsibility25%
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

    • Extremely important18%
    • Important32%
    • Fairly important21%
    • Not important at all25%
  • Written Letters and Memos

    • Every day14%
    • Once a week or more but not every day11%
    • Once a month or more but not every week14%
    • Once a year or more but not every month14%
    • Never46%
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections

    • Every day11%
    • Once a month or more but not every week25%
    • Once a year or more but not every month25%
    • Never36%
  • Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

    • Very high responsibility14%
    • Limited responsibility18%
    • No responsibility54%
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

    • Important18%
    • Fairly important18%
    • Not important at all50%
  • Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

    • Once a month or more but not every week18%
    • Once a year or more but not every month54%
    • Never25%
  • Spend Time Sitting

    • Less than half the time86%
    • Never11%
  • Conflict Situations

    • Once a month or more but not every week14%
    • Once a year or more but not every month46%
    • Never36%
  • Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

    • Once a month or more but not every week11%
    • Once a year or more but not every month21%
    • Never57%
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

    • Once a week or more but not every day11%
    • Once a month or more but not every week11%
    • Once a year or more but not every month29%
    • Never50%
  • Outdoors, Under Cover

    • Once a year or more but not every month43%
    • Never46%
  • Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

    • About half the time18%
    • Less than half the time32%
    • Never46%
  • Work Schedules

    • Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)29%
    • Regular (established routine, set schedule)71%
  • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

    • Once a year or more but not every month25%
    • Never68%
  • Public Speaking

    • Once a year or more but not every month46%
    • Never50%
  • Spend Time Walking or Running

    • Less than half the time39%
    • Never54%
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

    • Once a year or more but not every month19%
    • Never70%
  • Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

    • Never86%
  • Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

    • Once a year or more but not every month15%
    • Never78%
  • Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

    • Never89%
  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

    • Once a year or more but not every month29%
    • Never71%
  • Duration of Typical Work Week

    • 40 hours11%
    • Less than 40 hours89%
  • Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

    • Once a year or more but not every month18%
    • Never82%
  • Degree of Automation

    • Slightly automated18%
    • Not at all automated82%
  • Exposed to Contaminants

    • Once a year or more but not every month11%
    • Never86%
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

    • Never96%
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

    • Never89%
  • Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

    • Not important at all93%
  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

    • Never100%
  • Exposed to High Places

    • Never100%
  • Exposed to Radiation

    • Never100%
  • Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

    • Never100%
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

    • Never100%
  • In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

    • Never100%
  • Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

    • Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

  • Post-secondary certificate
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

  • Spreadsheet software

    Microsoft Excel

  • Medical software

    ICS Software SammyUSA, Land Software Customer Pro-File, Massage Suite, WinCity Custom Software WinCity Massage SOAP Notes

  • Word processing software

    Microsoft Word

  • Calendar and scheduling software

    AppointmentQuest Online Appointment Manager, Scheduling software

Professional Associations

Related Occupations

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

  • Administer therapy treatments to patients using hands or physical treatment aids.
  • Interview patients to gather medical information.
  • Administer therapeutic massages.
  • Clean facilities or equipment.
  • Stock supplies or merchandise.
  • Develop patient therapy programs.
  • Maintain medical records.
  • Teach medical procedures or medical equipment use to patients.
  • Assess physical conditions of patients to aid in diagnosis or treatment.
  • Help clients get needed services or resources.
  • Refer patients to other healthcare practitioners or health resources.
  • Confer with other professionals to plan patient care.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

  • Certified Massage Therapist (Cmt)
  • Licensed Massage Therapist
O*NET in-it

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology

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