Many people interested in beginning a career in massage therapy have wondered, how much does a massage therapist make? This can vary, of course, depending on the location of employment, career path, experience, and number of hours worked, but here are some estimates to give you a general idea about the pay for massage therapy jobs:
- Skilled and experienced massage therapists with thriving private practices can make well into 6 figures per year. In a recent survey, the top tier of massage therapists reported making up to $180,000 per year!
- The average starting salary for therapists straight our of massage therapy school is $30,000 per year.
- Massage rates generally start around $39 per hour and the average rate is $59 per hour. Top massage therapists often charge $100+ per hour.
As you can see there is a wide range of compensation levels in the massage therapy profession. The main reason for this is that some massage therapists own their own businesses and get to keep all the money they earn for massage, while other work through a spa or other company which is entitled to portion of the hours they bill.
If you want to make the most money possible from your massage career, then forming your own sole propietorship or small business is clearly the way to go. These therapists are the ones who make the most money, but there is a trade off. They also take on the most risk and have the greatest responsbilities. Massage therapists who choose to work through a spa or other health organization receive many benefits that make their lives easier. These companies help them find new clients, provide facilities and equipment for them to provide massage services with, and take responsibility for collecting payment from clients. Having someone else worry about these things will certainly make your life a lot easier!
Ultimately this is a personal choice every massage therapist must make and there are benefits and drawbacks to both sides. One great thing about the massage therapist profession is that you can decide what level income you want to pursue. This makes it a great career choice for all different types of people.