When hiring a massage therapist, most business owners zero in on technique. Can they do deep tissue? Are their strokes smooth? Do they know trigger point therapy? And yes — technical skill is important. But it’s only part of what makes a great hire.
If you’ve ever hired someone who seemed great during the hands-on trial but later caused issues with clients, clashed with coworkers, or just didn’t “fit in,” you’ve learned this the hard way.
The best massage therapists aren’t just skilled with their hands — they excel at the soft skills that create loyal clients, smooth team dynamics, and strong word-of-mouth.
In this article, we’ll break down the top massage therapist soft skills you should look for when hiring, and how to assess them during interviews, phone screens, or working trials.
Why Soft Skills Matter in a Massage Practice
Massage is a service — and like any service business, how a client feels about the interaction often matters just as much as the actual result.
Soft skills are the behaviors and interpersonal traits that influence how a therapist interacts with clients, coworkers, and leadership. These include communication, emotional intelligence, professionalism, and adaptability — and they can make or break the client experience.
Strong soft skills lead to:
- Higher client retention and rebooking
- Fewer complaints or conflicts
- Better teamwork and morale
- A stronger brand reputation overall
Even the most technically gifted therapist won’t thrive on your team if they lack the people skills to back it up.
The Top Soft Skills to Look for in a Massage Therapist
Here are the key soft skills that set apart the top 10% of massage therapists — and how to spot them during the hiring process.
1. Communication
Good therapists know how to listen and how to speak clearly — without overexplaining or creating awkward moments.
Look for therapists who:
- Ask clarifying questions
- Check in about pressure and comfort
- Explain the session flow without over-talking
- Can speak professionally with clients, not just you
How to assess it:
During the phone screen, ask:
“How do you typically check in with clients during a session?”
Or: “How do you handle a client who talks a lot during their massage?”
2. Emotional Intelligence
Massage is intimate work. Therapists need to be tuned in to what a client is feeling — physically and emotionally — and respond with care and awareness.
Look for therapists who:
- Can read body language and adjust accordingly
- Stay calm in emotionally charged or awkward situations
- Respect boundaries without being cold or robotic
How to assess it:
Ask during the interview:
“Can you tell me about a time when a client got emotional or upset? How did you handle it?”
3. Professionalism
This includes punctuality, dress code, hygiene, and the ability to maintain strong boundaries while still being warm.
Look for therapists who:
- Show up on time and follow instructions
- Use professional language (even when casual)
- Follow policies and respect the treatment space
- Understand their role on a team
How to assess it:
Are they early to the interview? Do they follow directions in your job listing? How do they speak about past employers?
4. Adaptability
Every client is different. The best therapists know how to adapt their pressure, style, or energy depending on the person on the table.
Look for therapists who:
- Can pivot when something isn’t working
- Handle feedback without getting defensive
- Don’t insist on doing things “their way” every time
How to assess it:
During the hands-on interview, give a note like “Can you make the pressure a little lighter here?” and watch how they respond.
5. Client-Centered Thinking
Therapists should be focused on giving the client what they need — not just doing their favorite routine or trying to impress with every skill they know.
Look for therapists who:
- Ask what the client’s goals are
- Tailor sessions based on feedback
- Prioritize comfort and results over showing off modalities
How to assess it:
Ask:
“How do you plan your sessions when working with a new client?”
Listen for clues that they value results and client feedback.
6. Teamwork and Attitude
A good hire adds to your culture — not just your calendar. You want someone who contributes positively to the team dynamic, communicates clearly with coworkers, and is open to learning.
Look for therapists who:
- Speak positively about previous teams
- Understand their role in keeping the studio running smoothly
- Are willing to step up without being asked every time
How to assess it:
Ask:
“What’s your ideal work environment?”
or
“How do you typically handle schedule changes or busy days?”
Their answers will reveal a lot about how they show up behind the scenes.
How to Spot Soft Skills During the Hiring Process
Most resumes won’t tell you if someone has emotional intelligence or a great attitude. So here’s how to spot soft skills:
- Use behavioral interview questions that ask for real-life examples
- Watch how they communicate in emails, messages, or phone calls
- Pay attention to body language and tone during interviews
- In the hands-on interview, observe how they interact with the model or staff
- Talk to their references — specifically about interpersonal strengths
You’re not just looking for the right resume — you’re looking for the right person.
Final Thoughts: Hire for Soft Skills, Train for Technique
Massage therapists can always improve technique through continuing education and mentorship. But soft skills? Those are harder to teach. That’s why it’s better to hire someone with strong interpersonal awareness and a willingness to learn — even if their technique isn’t yet perfect.
If your goal is to build a team that delivers amazing client experiences, drives repeat business, and makes your practice easier to run — prioritize these soft skills in every hire.
