Massage Therapist Career Outlook
Massage therapy is increasingly recognized and accepted by the healthcare field as a viable and unique alternative to traditional medical therapies. Therapeutic massage therapists are now found in all types of healthcare environments, as well as spas and holistic wellness centers. Those who practice this old healing art have a bright career outlook.
The career outlook for massage therapists is extremely positive with the career field expected to grow 32% between 2020 and 2030, a much faster rate than other occupations. Median annual wage is $46,910. Hourly wages vary by location and specialization.
If you are thinking about becoming a massage therapist, keep reading to find out more about the job, the education needed, and what pay you can expect.
What Does a Massage Therapist Do?
A massage therapist uses hands-on techniques to manipulate the muscles and soft tissues of the body to ease tension and stress that can occur. Muscle tension can be the root cause of injuries so relieving it through massage may help prevent further damage.
During a patient/client visit, a massage therapist will generally discuss with the patient any areas of concern or tension and then provide the proper care to alleviate the problem. Ongoing care can include things such as:
- Discussion with the patient about expectations and other health considerations
- Setting up specialized treatment plans
- Demonstration and coaching of relaxation techniques for home use
- Making the patient aware of other health issues that require referral to other medical personnel
- Documenting the patient’s progress and adjusting care as needed
Massage therapy involves more than just the masseuse’s hands. Therapists also use fingers, elbows, and forearms to manipulate muscles, and, on occasion, even feet. To create a relaxing, stress-free environment, most massage sessions also include the application of oils, lotions and the use of specific massage chairs, tables, and other important tools that most massage therapists use.
Nearly all U.S. massage therapists have the skills to perform Swedish and deep tissue massages. Other specialty areas include:
- Pregnancy and infant massage
- Sports massage
- Trigger Point therapy
- Acupressure
- Shiatsu, Lomi-Lomi, and Thai massage
- Connective tissue massage
How Much Do Most Massage Therapists Make?
Many therapists work part-time or by appointment only which can cause their daily and weekly schedule to vary widely. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the median annual wage for massage therapists is $46,910. The average hourly rate in the U.S. is $65/hour.
Masseuses in a chic, urban salon spa may earn as much as $75-$90 per hour while those who practice in smaller cities or serve clients in their home can expect to charge around $40 or $50 per hour.
Tipping is common in the industry so massage therapists often take home more than their regular salary.
Because massage therapists can be found in a variety of work environments, salaries also have a wide range. The chart shows median wages for the top four industries that employ massage therapists.
| Chiropractic office | $ 58,930 |
| Other healthcare | $ 47,930 |
| Personal care | $ 44,710 |
| Accomodations/Tourism | $ 29,600 |
How Long is Massage Therapy School?
A post-secondary massage therapy education requires from 500 to 1000 hours of study and hands-on practice. At 40 hours per week, that works out to be between 12 and 25 weeks. To be admitted to massage therapy school, you must have a high school diploma or GED. Taking one of the best online massage therapy certifications is also a more accessible option.
What Qualifications are Needed to Be a Massage Therapist?
Massage therapy is more than giving a few backrubs on a regular basis. It is a blend of a time-honored healing art and the scientific mechanics of the body. Proper education and training is needed to avoid causing physical damage to a patient’s muscles and joints.
Graduate from a Certified Program
Most states require massage therapists to attend and graduate from an approved program prior to practicing in the field. The typical program offers classroom curriculum combined with supervised, hands-on instruction in massage techniques. Students can expect to study anatomy and physiology, pathology, and kinesiology, as well business and ethics.
Pass a Licensure Exam
Nearly half of all states and the District of Columbia regulate the massage therapy field. Standards vary from state to state, but states that do regulate the industry usually mandate passing a licensing exam. One such exam is the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards.
Passing the MBLEx or a similar state-specific exam certifies a massage therapist to practice massage therapy. In some cases, therapists may be required to participate in continuing education coursework to keep their certification current.
Massage therapists may also have to undergo a background check, purchase liability insurance, and know CPR before they can begin work.
Possess Physical Stamina and Strength
Massage therapy is a physically demanding job. Strength and dexterity are critical. A massage therapist must be able to exert the right amount of pressure with their fingers, elbows, forearms, and hands to manipulate muscles and tissue.
Physical stamina is also a key qualification. Standing on your feet while exerting such great effort into each massage necessitates that you are strong enough to maintain that level of care throughout the day.
Develop Good Communication and Decision-Making Skills
Being a massage therapist is ultimately about providing excellent customer service. Clients expect and deserve to be heard and understood. Good communication skills are a must for a massage therapist.
- Listen carefully as clients explain their needs for the session.
- Expressing empathy and understanding builds trust in the provider-client relationship.
- Make the appropriate treatment decisions for each client based on their needs.
How Do I Get Started?
A good place to start your search for massage therapy school is the AMTA website. AMTA stands for American Massage Therapy Association. Their search feature allows you to search for programs in any location.
For example, a quick search for schools in South Carolina returned five possibilities which included technical colleges and a holistic wellness center. Dig deeper and you’ll see accreditation status, financial aid possibilities, and a program description.
Final Thoughts
With an expected job growth of 32% by 2030, massage therapy is a bright and secure career. Getting the necessary education to become a massage therapist can take less than a year so you can be relieving stress and tension in patients in just a short time.
Find the 7 benefits of becoming a massage therapist to help you get an idea of its perks.
