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Massage Therapy Instructor Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

East West College

Kinesiology 1 Instructor

Portland, OR · On-site

Kinesiology 1 Instructor Fall Term Class Dates: Monday, October 5, 2026 to Wednesday, December 16 ... Licensed Massage Therapist or health care provider (DC, ND, PT, RN, etc.) with previous coursework ...

East West College

Kinesiology 1 Instructor

Portland, OR · On-site

Kinesiology 1 Instructor Fall Term Class Dates: Monday, October 5, 2026 to Wednesday, December 16 ... Licensed Massage Therapist or health care provider (DC, ND, PT, RN, etc.) with previous coursework ...

FLEXFIT HVSL LLC DBA StretchLab Happy Valley

Be Seen First

Flexologist/Stretch Practitioner(Kinesiology grads, personal trainers)

Happy Valley, OR · On-site

$16.80 - $25/hr

StretchLab Happy Valley is seeking Kinesiology graduates, personal trainers, Physical Therapy Assistants, massage therapists, and dance/yoga/Pilates instructors to join our team. This is an amazing ...

FLEXFIT HVSL LLC DBA StretchLab Happy Valley

Be Seen First

Flexologist/Stretch Practitioner(Kinesiology grads, personal trainers)

Happy Valley, OR · On-site

$16.80 - $25/hr

StretchLab Happy Valley is seeking Kinesiology graduates, personal trainers, Physical Therapy Assistants, massage therapists, and dance/yoga/Pilates instructors to join our team. This is an amazing ...

All JobsMassage Therapy Instructor JobsMassage Therapy Instructor Jobs in Portland, OR

Massage Therapy Instructor information

See Portland, OR salary details

$11

$33

$59

How much do massage therapy instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for massage therapy instructor in Portland, OR is $33.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.22 and $47.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a massage therapy instructor?

Massage Therapy Instructors are professionals who teach students the theory and practical skills required to become licensed massage therapists. They design and deliver curriculum on subjects such as anatomy, physiology, massage techniques, ethics, and client care. These instructors typically have significant experience as practicing massage therapists, as well as formal training in education. Their role is crucial in preparing students for certification exams and ensuring they develop safe, effective hands-on skills. Many work at vocational schools, colleges, or specialized massage therapy programs.

What does a massage therapy instructor do?

A massage therapy instructor is responsible for teaching students in massage school. In this career, you develop curriculum, give lectures, monitor activities, and administer tests. You must use various methods to teach students of all learning styles. You use your massage expertise to demonstrate proper therapy and relaxations techniques. Since health and wellness is a constantly evolving field, it’s important that you stay up to date on changes in the industry to teach your class the newest methods. You also lecture on safety, use of equipment, and industry regulations. As a massage therapy instructor, you also explain terminology and the importance of accuracy and efficiency when working with a patient.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a massage therapy instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Massage Therapy Instructor, you need a comprehensive understanding of anatomy, physiology, and massage techniques, typically supported by a massage therapy license and teaching certification. Familiarity with classroom management tools, demonstration equipment, and current massage therapy modalities is essential. Exceptional communication, patience, and mentorship abilities help foster a supportive and effective learning environment. These skills ensure students gain both practical expertise and confidence, leading to their success as future massage therapists.

What are some common challenges massage therapy instructors face in balancing hands-on teaching with administrative responsibilities?

Massage Therapy Instructors often juggle practical teaching, curriculum development, and administrative tasks such as grading and student evaluations. Balancing these responsibilities can be challenging, especially during peak times like exam periods or student clinic events. Successful instructors typically develop strong organizational skills and collaborate closely with fellow faculty to ensure that both instructional quality and program requirements are met. Staying updated on industry standards and maintaining open communication with students also helps in addressing these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Massage Therapy Instructor vs Massage Therapist?

AspectMassage Therapy InstructorMassage Therapist
CredentialsMassage therapy certification, teaching credentials (if applicable)Massage therapy certification, licensing
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, training centersSpas, clinics, wellness centers, private practice
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, massage schoolsHospitals, wellness centers, private clients
Primary FocusTeaching massage techniques, curriculum developmentProviding massage services to clients

While both roles require massage therapy certification, a Massage Therapy Instructor primarily focuses on teaching and curriculum development within educational settings. In contrast, a Massage Therapist provides hands-on massage services to clients in various environments. The instructor role emphasizes education, whereas the therapist role emphasizes direct client care.

More about Massage Therapy Instructor jobs

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Massage Therapy Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Massage Therapy Instructor job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 33% Full Time, 61% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $70,340 per year, or $33.8 per hour.

Foundations of Massage Instructor

East West College

Portland, OR • On-site

Part-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Foundations of Massage Instructor

Part-Time Position | Fall Term 2026
October 1 - December 19
9 hours per week | Tuesdays 6:30-9:30pm, Thursdays 6:30 - 9:30pm, and Saturdays 9am - noon


About the Position

We are seeking experienced massage therapy professionals to join our team as part-time instructors for our Foundations of Massage course. This is an excellent opportunity for practicing Licensed Massage Therapists who are passionate about education and want to share their expertise with the next generation of massage professionals.


The Foundations of Massage course provides an introduction the massage profession, including a history of massage, an overview of massage regulation, a brief summary of various bodywork modalities, and a focus on the development of massage skills used for general wellness and relaxation massage.


Schedule:Classes meet 3 times per week for a total of 9 instructional hours. Classes begin the week of September 30, 2026. Availability for onboarding and training prior to the course start date is required.


Primary Responsibilities

  • Deliver engaging, hands-on instruction in basis massage and bodywork modalities
  • Assess student learning through written exams, practical assessments, and homework assignments
  • Maintain accurate records of student attendance, grades, and academic progress
  • Provide regular, constructive feedback and individualized support to students
  • Collaborate with fellow faculty members to ensure curriculum consistency and program excellence


Required Qualifications

  • Current Oregon Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)with active, unrestricted licensure
  • Minimum 2 years of professional massage therapy experience
  • Working knowledge of massage and bodywork modalities, including:
    • Swedish massage techniques
    • Basic myofascial techniques
  • Understanding of adult learning principles and teaching methodologies
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse student populations


Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous teaching experience in a massage therapy or bodywork program
  • Experience with hands-on, practical teaching methods
  • Knowledge of current research and evidence-based practices in massage therapy and bodywork
  • Additional certifications in related modalities


Work Environment

  • Instruction takes place in a professional classroom and hands-on learning environment
  • Collaborative team culture focused on student success
  • Ongoing professional development and continuing education opportunities provided
  • Supportive administrative team


Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive hourly rate commensurate with experience and qualifications
  • Paid sick time
  • Professional development allowance
  • Discounts on continuing education classes
  • Complimentary monthly student massages in our public massage clinic


Please submit the following materials:

  • Current resume/CV
  • Cover letter describing your massage therapy experience and teaching philosophy
  • Copy of current Oregon LMT license
  • Contact information for 2-3 professional references


We are an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and students. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

Apply