The craft of massage therapy is a delicate blend of art and science with a 2,500 year history. Long studied for its healing properties, massage has recently acquired respect from the medical community as a legitimate therapy for injuries of all kinds. As a result massage therapists are in demand like never before. In the past, most massage therapists launched their own businesses or worked part time out of their homes. Now individuals who pursue massage therapy as a vocation can now find employment in any number of large industries and work environments. With national certification or a license from the State, massage therapists are earning more money on average than some medical professionals. With 12 months of training or less, you could begin working as a massage in any number of career paths.
Building Your Own Business
Working for yourself can be enormously rewarding if you harbor entrepreneurial aspirations. Some massage therapy programs include career development courses along with core massage classes. Taking part in these courses will teach you the valuable skills you need to successful launch your own massage therapy business. You will learn how to build a clientele, market yourself, and manage your time. Reading up on advertising techniques and social media is also a great way to get your services noticed.
As a private massage therapist, you can work out of your own home or travel to client’s homes as well. It is not unusual for massage therapists to work in several different environments during a normal day, as it is a cost-effective method to starting a new business. Working part-time is also an option. Most clients prefer to have massages in the evening and on the weekends, making it possible for a private massage therapist to work around an existing full-time job. This is a great way to build up your client base before launching your own business.
Once you’ve achieved success as a private massage therapist, you can also choose to open a clinic and hire other therapists to work for you. Renting out clinic space for a fee is a good way to supplement your income.
Specialized Fields
The need for massage therapists is growing concurrently with the growth of massage as a healing art practiced on new segments of the population. A newly diverse clientele has created a wealth of job prospects for massage therapists with specialized training. Good massage therapy programs will offer students emphasized training in certain types of massage, called modalities, that are most effective on clients with special needs. While you are in school, you can shape your education to lead you into a specific career path of your choice. Currently there are massage therapists working in the following environments:
- Nursing Homes – The elderly are increasingly becoming common recipients of massage therapy’s healing abilities. This path requires a uniquely compassionate individual suited to working with inexperienced and possibly ornery clients.
- Holistic Spa or Resort – Spas are a popular source of relaxation for a wide variety of clients. Massage is often included in high-end package deals and therapists can earn a large salary for their services.
- Hospitals and Doctors Office – As massage therapy is growing in legitimacy, therapists are called more and more to work with patients of all kinds. Pregnant women are often clients of massage therapists who have been trained to fill the particular needs of expectant mothers.
- Sports Medicine – A very lucrative career for a massage therapist who has specialized in healing repetitive stress injuries. Large sports organizations usually keep a massage therapist on retainer at all time to work with injured players.
- Rehabilitation Clinic – Massage therapy is credited with both the power to heal and prevent further injuries. Massage can be a beneficial supplement to recovery for substance abusers.
Where To Find Jobs
The best time to begin your job search is while you are still in training to become a massage therapist. Many schools have career service centers staffed with professionals who will help you craft a resume, prepare for interviews, and set personal goals. Deciding what type of therapy you want to practice is also crucial. What career path you eventually pursue should shape the kind of education you receive and the classes you enroll in. Develop relationships with your professors; they may have connections that can help you find a job after completing the program.
If you are out of school, try checking in with administrators. Some programs offer alumni job placement services. Online job boards also hold a multitude of positions for massage therapists. Call local spas and resorts to drum up leads or inquire at your local doctor’s office. Launch your private practice to make money while you find the perfect position.
Earnings
Massage therapists have the potential to earn as much, if not more, than the average health care worker. Where you work and how much time you spend on the job are the determining factors in your pay rate. Some massage therapists can earn over $150,000 in private practice, however it takes a number of years and a large, loyal client base to reach the top of the pay scale. On average, massage therapists currently working earn an average of $39 per hour, including tips. How much you earn will depend on how much you charge, as well as how much you work. If you only work 15 hours per week, it is possible to earn an average of $29,250 along with any other income you are currently receiving.
To increase the amount you earn every year, you may decide to specialize in a certain field or join a local health clinic as a massage therapist. There are a number of options for therapists who want to earn more money. You might want to continue your education or move into a career as a physical therapist. Though it takes time to build a successful career, massage therapists have enormous earning potential that only continues to grow as they gain more skill and technique.
