24 Business Ideas For Massage Therapists [2024]
Interested in starting a business as a massage therapist in 2024?
If managed well, building a business as a massage therapist could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for massage therapists?
We put together 24 of some of the best massage therapist business ideas you can start in today.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other massage therapist businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a soap business ($67K/month)
As a massage therapist, you could supplement your income by starting a soap business. Given your knowledge of skin health and relaxation, creating high-quality, artisanal soaps could be a natural extension of your expertise. You would be able to cater to your existing clients' skincare needs while also reaching a broader market.
The soap-making industry is growing and can be managed from home or as a small local business. With an initial investment of less than $1,000 for supplies, you could produce popular skincare products that could be sold online or in your studio. This side venture allows you to use your free time efficiently and tap into a lucrative market, offering another dimension to your professional services.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $380,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
Outlaw Soaps, a soap company that started with just $13.72 of supplies, now makes an average of $23,000/month, with 46% of website orders from repeat customers who are loyal to the company's unique products and top-notch customer service.
2. Make a body care products ($44.3K/month)
As a massage therapist, you could supplement your income by starting a body care product line. This venture aligns perfectly with your existing knowledge of skin health and well-being, making it a natural extension of your current profession.
Creating and selling items like soaps, lotions, and scrubs allows you to leverage your expertise in promoting relaxation and self-care. You could also capitalize on the growing consumer interest in natural and eco-friendly products by emphasizing sustainable packaging and unique formulations.
This entrepreneurial endeavor could easily be managed alongside your massage practice, with online platforms like Etsy or a dedicated website serving as your storefront, enabling you to reach a broad audience without needing a physical retail space. By combining creativity with market needs, your body care products could turn into a well-loved brand.
How much you can make: $300 — $200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
Heliotrope San Francisco is an all-natural skincare line that started as a small shop in the Bay Area over ten years ago, choosing slow, sustainable growth, and expects to earn approximately $250K in sales this year.
3. Start a skin care product line ($110K/month)
Starting a skincare product line could be an excellent way to supplement your income as a massage therapist. Given the multi-billion dollar skincare industry, which is predicted to grow at an annual rate of 4.6% up to 2030, there is substantial potential for profitability.
As a massage therapist, you already have a deep understanding of the human body and skin, which positions you well to create effective and safe skincare products. You could leverage your existing client base by offering them high-quality, personalized skincare solutions that align with the holistic care you already provide. This business could not only increase your revenue but also enhance the overall wellness experience for your clients.
How much you can make: $300 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Two moms start a side hustle selling all-natural body products, doubling sales since their launch in 2017 with over 75 craft shows, promoting a non-profit source for their shea butter and self-promotion through podcasts, lining up retail interest from exposure.
4. Start a supplements company ($392K/month)
As a massage therapist, starting a supplements company could provide a lucrative side business by aligning with your focus on health and wellness. You are already trusted by clients seeking holistic health solutions, so offering dietary supplements, vitamins, and protein powders can naturally complement your services.
You could market these products directly to your existing client base, particularly those who are fitness enthusiasts or health-conscious individuals. With the increasing popularity and relatively low cost of starting a supplement brand, you could easily run this business from your home, offering an additional revenue stream without significant overhead.
By educating your clients about the benefits of high-quality supplements alongside their massage therapy, you strengthen your position as a comprehensive wellness provider. This integration could not only boost your income but also enhance client satisfaction and loyalty.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $3,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
A military officer turned entrepreneur built sports nutrition brand Bare Performance Nutrition from $15,000 in year one to on track to generate $6m in revenue this year, leveraging social media platforms and creating interactive, relatable and valuable content to create a community and a brand voice.
5. Start a litter removal business ($44.8K/month)
For massage therapists looking to diversify their income, starting a litter removal business could be an excellent opportunity. This hands-on venture allows you to make a tangible impact in your community by ensuring public spaces, private properties, and event venues remain clean and inviting. The demand for litter removal services is constant, providing a steady stream of potential clients interested in maintaining a clean environment.
You could leverage your existing client relationships to market your new services to property managers, event coordinators, and local businesses. Basic equipment like trash bags, gloves, and grabbers, as well as a vehicle for transporting waste, are essential investments to kickstart this business. Additionally, this side business offers the flexibility to manage your schedule, enabling you to continue your primary work as a massage therapist while expanding your entrepreneurial efforts.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $90,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 15 days (?)
23-year-old Sam Evans founded You Call We Haul Junk Removal which brings in around $20,000 in revenue per month with a profit of 65% per job, servicing any individuals who have unneeded junk, and aims to franchise the business in the long-term.
6. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business could be an excellent opportunity for massage therapists looking to supplement their income or even pivot into a new venture. By curating monthly boxes filled with niche products like essential oils, high-quality lotions, relaxation tools, and self-care guides, you could leverage your expertise to add significant value to your customers' well-being routines.
Subscription boxes are in high demand for their exclusive products and personalized service, making them a lucrative side business or even a full-time endeavor. To get started, you'd need to identify your target audience, meticulously select quality products, and create an appealing box design. Building strong relationships with fulfillment companies and marketing your service effectively could further enhance your chances of success.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
7. Start an online fitness business ($78K/month)
As a massage therapist, you could seamlessly expand your expertise by starting an online fitness business, leveraging your understanding of the human body and wellness. Given the rapidly growing popularity of online fitness due to its convenience, affordability, and accessibility, you could reach a broader audience and help clients improve their overall health through virtual sessions.
You could offer personalized fitness programs that complement your massage therapy practices, focusing on injury prevention, muscle strengthening, and flexibility. The best part about starting this venture is the minimal overhead costs—requiring just a computer and an internet connection—allowing you to supplement your income or transition to a full-time online business without the burden of maintaining a physical location.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study is about a former personal trainer who launched his online personal training platform, TeamFFLEX, starting with no money and a lot of drive, and grew it into a 6-figure business in less than a year, now doing $48,000 a month with potential for continued growth.
8. Start a CBD business ($84.9K/month)
Supplement Your Income with a CBD Business
As a massage therapist, you already have a deep understanding of how to manage pain and promote relaxation, making a CBD business a natural extension of your current practice. CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, which can complement your massage services and provide additional value to your clients. With the market projected to grow by a CAGR of 21.7% in the coming years, the timing couldn't be better for expanding into this lucrative field.
By incorporating CBD products into your offerings, such as CBD oils and topicals, you could provide a holistic experience that enhances the well-being of your clients. You could even explore high-potential opportunities like becoming a CBD distributor, starting a CBD subscription box service, or creating your own line of CBD products to sell online or in your practice. This will not only diversify your income streams but also solidify your standing as a comprehensive wellness provider in a rapidly growing market.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Plain Jane, an online CBD company founded by two college roommates, offers unique products and has generated over $20K a month in sales within five months, attracting and retaining customers through social media, authentic stories, and content.
9. Start a dog treat business ($635K/month)
Starting a dog treat business can be a practical and rewarding side venture for a massage therapist. If you enjoy baking and love dogs, you could tap into the growing dog food market by creating healthy, natural, and tasty treats. This allows you to blend your passion for wellness with a fun, entrepreneurial project.
By focusing on nutritional requirements and safety, you could carve out a niche with specialty services like custom birthday cakes and holiday gift boxes for dogs. Leveraging both online and local markets could help you turn homemade dog treats into a profitable and satisfying business venture. This way, you could supplement your income while indulging in a creative and enjoyable pursuit.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,833,333/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Toronto-based Treats Happen saw a gap in the market for healthy dog treats, and now makes roughly $15K per month. Their biggest lesson? As a brand, they don't just sell on their website but want to be available on as many profitable channels as possible.
10. Become a corporate trainer ($9.79K/month)
As a massage therapist, you could leverage your understanding of body mechanics and stress reduction to become a corporate trainer, focusing on employee wellness and ergonomics. Your background equips you with unique insights into how physical well-being impacts productivity and overall job satisfaction, making you an invaluable asset to companies looking to enhance their workplace environment.
Developing and delivering customized wellness programs could include teaching employees proper posture, relaxation techniques, and self-care strategies, thereby boosting their efficiency and reducing workplace-related injuries. This venture not only supplements your income but also allows you to branch out into a new arena where your skills and passion for helping others can flourish.
By bridging the gap between physical health and corporate performance, you could establish yourself as a trusted consultant who helps businesses thrive through enhanced employee well-being. This side business could potentially evolve into a full-time endeavor, offering you a diversified career path that aligns perfectly with your expertise and entrepreneurial spirit.
How much you can make: $1,500 — $20,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
A 22-year-old entrepreneur from Vienna built a $10k/month personal growth business by executing ideas quickly and targeting needs, as well as delivering quality services and personal connections to his customers.
11. Become a wellness coach ($48.2K/month)
Transitioning into a wellness coach could be a seamless opportunity for you as a massage therapist, as both professions focus on enhancing the client's overall health and well-being. Your existing expertise in stress relief, muscle tension management, and holistic client care would complement the role of a wellness coach. This would allow you to broaden your services to include guiding clients in setting health goals such as weight loss, improved energy levels, and better stress management.
Consider business avenues like becoming a corporate wellness coach, where you could offer comprehensive wellness programs to companies, addressing physical, mental, and nutritional aspects of health. Alternatively, you might explore becoming a nutritional therapist or a weight loss coach, helping clients make sustainable lifestyle changes.
By expanding your services into wellness coaching, you could leverage your massage therapy background to create a more diverse and appealing business model. This move could not only supplement your income but also make you a one-stop destination for clients seeking a holistic approach to health and wellness.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $800 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Chakra5 is a mobile wellness team that generates $6k per month doing yoga/meditation/pilates classes, vegan cooking classes and sound baths on demand, boasting a strong online presence to attract and retain customers while also using free tools to keep monthly business costs below $100.
12. Start a video production company ($156K/month)
As a massage therapist, you could supplement your income by starting a video production company, leveraging your unique perspective to create engaging and informative content within the wellness industry. This could include producing instructional videos on various massage techniques, client testimonials, and wellness tips, which can help other therapists and attract new clients.
Additionally, you could expand to create marketing videos for other businesses, harnessing your industry knowledge to craft content that resonates with the wellness and health community. This side business not only allows you to diversify your income but also empowers you to share your expertise and passion for massage therapy in a new, creative medium.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 72 days (?)
Lemonlight CEO, Hope Horner, co-founded an on-demand video production company that has produced over 7,000 videos for more than 3,000 brands, generating over $6 million in sales and growing to a 45-person team, all without taking any outside capital and being recognized in Inc 5000 and Entrepreneur 360 for three years in a row.
13. Start a youtube channel ($146K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel could be an excellent way for massage therapists to supplement their income and even develop a side business. By sharing expertise on various massage techniques, self-care tutorials, or insights into the benefits of massage therapy, you could attract a dedicated audience interested in wellness and relaxation.
With YouTube's established monetization system, achieving milestone requirements like reaching 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours could unlock additional revenue streams through ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. Building a successful channel takes time and effort, but it has the potential to turn your passion for massage therapy into a profitable online venture.
How much you can make: $800 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Learn how this entrepreneurial couple made $5-7k a month by helping others find legitimate work from home jobs and creative ways to make money online through their blog and YouTube channel, as well as offering two flagship products designed to help beginner freelancers and new bloggers accelerate growth.
14. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast as a massage therapist could be an innovative way to supplement your income and share your expertise with a wider audience. You could focus on topics that are directly related to your profession, such as the benefits of massage therapy, self-care tips, and techniques for relieving stress and pain. This would not only establish you as an authority in the field but also enhance your credibility and attract more clients to your practice.
To begin, you'll need to select a niche that resonates with potential listeners, then invest in basic recording equipment like a microphone and headphones. Utilizing free or low-cost hosting platforms can help you publish your episodes without a significant initial investment. By promoting your podcast through social media, online communities, and word of mouth, you could grow your audience and even attract sponsors or advertisers, turning your podcast into a profitable side business.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
15. Create a website builder ($667K/month)
As a massage therapist with an entrepreneurial spirit, you could supplement your income and expand your business horizons by developing a website builder. This venture leverages your industry knowledge to create a tool that helps solo practitioners and small wellness businesses establish a strong online presence without needing advanced technical skills.
With the increasing demand for accessible web solutions, a website builder with intuitive drag-and-drop features, customizable templates, and integrated functionalities like eCommerce and SEO tools would appeal to many in the wellness sector and beyond. You could offer a platform that empowers fellow massage therapists and small business owners to effortlessly design their own websites, tapping into a vast market eager for simplicity and efficiency.
By pursuing this tech opportunity, you not only diversify your income streams but also position yourself at the intersection of wellness and technology. This initiative requires a firm grasp of web development and user experience, but the rewards are tangible: creating a tool that enables users to establish their digital identity effectively and efficiently.
How much you can make: $200 — $8,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Co-founder of Madwire JB Kellogg grew his business from just the two of them in a tiny office to over 500 employees and $100 million in annual revenue in under 10 years, by focusing on exceptional customer service and a multi-channel inbound strategy.
16. Start a photography blog ($10.1K/month)
As a massage therapist, you could explore starting a photography blog to supplement your income and share your artistic passion. Photography can serve as a therapeutic escape from the physical demands of massage therapy, providing a creative outlet and a way to connect with a community of fellow photographers and enthusiasts. You could feature diverse content, such as tutorials, behind-the-scenes stories of your photo shoots, and interviews with industry professionals, leveraging your unique perspective.
Diving into niches like wellness, nature, or portrait photography, which might resonate well with your existing clientele, can help you build a loyal following. You could monetize your blog through advertising, sponsorships, and paid content like ebooks or photography courses. This dual career path not only broadens your skill set but also opens additional revenue streams, giving you flexibility and financial security.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $27,400/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A software engineer turned founder started a digital camera review website as a side-hustle which turned into a successful online publication with up to 1.3 million unique monthly visitors, generating around $1,000 per month, attracting visitors through guest posts, focusing on desirable quality content, and through answering popular questions on Stack Exchange, providing helpful advice for other entrepreneurs.
17. Start a therapy business ($74.8K/month)
Starting a therapy business would make sense as a massage therapist because it could seamlessly integrate with your existing skill set and client base. Many individuals already seeking massage therapy may also benefit from mental and emotional wellness support, creating a natural transition for offering combined services.
You could deepen your client relationships by providing a more comprehensive wellness experience that addresses both physical and emotional needs. To achieve this, you would need to determine the type of therapy you wish to offer and obtain the necessary certifications and licenses.
Not only could this entrepreneurial venture supplement your income, but it also positions you to offer a holistic approach to well-being, expanding your service offerings and attracting a broader clientele.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Professional cuddler, Sam Varnerin, developed her successful one-to-one cuddle service, Snuggle with Sam, as a result of recognising the universal human need for connection and touch, which also led to her opening Sam’s Snuggle School, a course for aspiring professional cuddlers.
18. Start a security installment business ($509K/month)
As a massage therapist with an entrepreneurial mindset, you could explore starting a security installation business to supplement your income or even transition to an entirely new venture. The security installation industry is growing, which presents a promising opportunity to enter a market with high demand for security solutions such as alarms, surveillance cameras, and access control systems.
This business would enable you to utilize your customer service skills honed through your massage therapy practice to interact effectively with clients and help them choose the best security solutions for their needs. Additionally, with the right training and a team of technicians, you could offer essential services to protect homes and businesses, contributing to the safety and well-being of your community.
By branching into the security installation business, you could build a profitable enterprise while providing a valuable and impactful service.
How much you can make: $18,000 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Wyze Labs' CEO and founding members, who met while working at Amazon, have successfully launched their first product, a smart home camera, in October 2017, selling over 300k units within the first six months, using a direct-to-consumer low margin, high volume model along with their strong relationships with suppliers in China.
19. Start a food & beverage company ($32.1K/month)
As a massage therapist, starting a food and beverage company could present unique opportunities to supplement your income while indulging a passion for culinary creativity. You could leverage your understanding of health and wellness to create nutritious snacks, organic juices, or even gourmet meals that cater to the same clientele who prioritize their well-being through massage therapy.
Incorporating your therapeutic knowledge, you could focus on developing recipes that align with detox diets or anti-inflammatory diets, enhancing the holistic health approach you already provide in your main profession. While the venture requires hard work—from developing unique recipes to navigating health regulations—the fulfillment of watching your products enjoyed by consumers could be incredibly rewarding. Joining the food and beverage sector might just be the perfect extension of your existing desire to improve others' health and happiness.
How much you can make: $500 — $80,000/month
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
How Andy Hayes built a 7-figure online loose leaf tea business, with one of the largest tea subscription boxes and a curated selection of tea accessories, generating half of their revenue from a la carte tea sales and half from their popular tea of the month club community.
20. Start a video game modding business ($158K/month)
As a massage therapist, you could diversify your income by tapping into the ever-growing gaming industry and starting a video game modding business. Modding involves creating new features, characters, or missions in video games, making it an exciting opportunity to combine your creative skills with a love for gaming.
This business model offers flexibility, allowing you to work at your own pace and from any location. By learning some essential programming and graphic design skills, you could develop mods that appeal to a broad audience, offering these on platforms like Steam and Nexus Mods. If you’re an entrepreneurial-minded gamer, this side venture could be a rewarding and profitable way to supplement your primary income as a massage therapist.
How much you can make: $85,000 — $230,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Founder Kyle Capel started Hand Held Legend, a DIY upgrade shop for vintage handheld consoles, which generates an average revenue of $27,000 a month and grew 30% in Q1 of 2020, offering an array of modern LCD upgrades for various consoles and serving an audience of mostly male customers aged between 13 and 45, 40% of which are international.
21. Start a catering business ($1.56M/month)
As a massage therapist, starting a catering business could provide a wonderful opportunity to supplement your income or even create an entirely new venture. With the flexibility catering offers, you could manage events during off-hours or weekends, ensuring it doesn't interfere with your primary career. The dynamic nature of catering services means you aren't tied to a specific location or rigid pricing structures, allowing you to adapt your business to fit your schedule and financial goals.
Moreover, a catering business could enable you to leverage any culinary skills you have and enjoy showcasing your cooking talents at various events. The planning, client management, and preparation skills you already possess from running a successful massage therapy practice would transfer well to managing catering events. This new business venture could also serve as a great way to expand your professional network and meet new people while exploring an area that interests you.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $6,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Spokeo is a people information service helping over 15 million users a month search and connect with others through organizing over 14 billion records into easy-to-understand reports generating over $6M per month.
22. Start a denim brand
As a massage therapist with a knack for entrepreneurship, starting a denim brand could be an exciting way to diversify your income. Denim is a staple in everyone's wardrobe, offering a market with consistent demand. You could channel your creativity into designing durable and stylish jeans that capture a unique identity—whether eco-friendly or high-fashion.
Embarking on this venture involves sourcing high-quality fabrics and partnering with reliable manufacturers, a process that will ensure your products stand out. Building a strong online presence through a polished e-commerce platform and engaging social media content would help you reach potential customers effectively. With diligent market research, inventory management, and innovative marketing strategies, you could see your denim brand gaining traction and earning a loyal customer base. If you have a passion for fashion and a willingness to tackle each challenge, this could be an ideal side business alongside your massage therapy career.
How much you can make: $2,000/month
Learn how Susie Shaughnessy created Crawford Denim and Vintage Co, a small-batch denim brand that mixes vintage and modern styles and is made in California from USA goods and deadstock and how she scaled back the business last year and is focusing on incremental growth and working with boutiques and increasing unique denim styles.
23. Start a body waxing salon
As a massage therapist, starting a body waxing salon could seamlessly integrate into your existing practice, allowing you to offer a wider range of services to your clients. By leveraging your understanding of client comfort and relaxation, you could create a soothing atmosphere that attracts clients seeking comprehensive self-care solutions.
Investing in waxing supplies and hiring skilled technicians would enable you to meet the high demand for hair removal services, providing a steady stream of additional income. Additionally, offering both massage and waxing services could enhance your business's appeal, encouraging clients to book multiple treatments in one visit, thereby increasing your overall revenue.
How much you can make: $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
ZZ Day Spa, founded by Gary Oberoi, went from $30,000 to $240,000 in monthly revenue within three years in New York as they aim to become the most customer-centric day spa in the world through hiring the right people and providing an unforgettable experience while mastering digital marketing to attract clients.
24. Start a brand consultant business ($313K/month)
As a massage therapist, you could leverage your understanding of client relationships and holistic wellness to excel as a brand consultant. By starting a brand consultant business, you could use your communication skills and market insights to help businesses craft their unique identity and stand out in the competitive market. Your experience in building trust and a strong client base positions you well to offer strategic advice on brand messaging and positioning.
Imagine guiding a wellness startup through creating a cohesive and compelling brand that resonates with their target audience. You could help clients analyze their current brand presence and develop strategies to enhance their public image and customer engagement. This path offers rewarding opportunities to use your creativity and strategic thinking to shape successful brands, potentially transforming your supplementary income into a full-fledged business endeavor.
How much you can make: $1,500 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $4,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
TapResearch generates roughly $1.5M in revenue per month through their Sample and Insights platforms, which allow market researchers to access survey respondents they need and make fast and easy decisions through a highly scalable respondent network that delivers surveys to hundreds of millions of people.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.