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A career in massage therapy is one of the most rewarding ones out there. If you’re passionate about health and wellness and you’re looking for a fulfilling career path, massage therapy might be a good fit for you. Not only will you be able to help people feel better, but massage therapists also enjoy working in a calming environment, having a flexible work schedule, and earning a decent income.
Top Reasons To Become A Massage Therapist
If you’re interested in pursuing a massage therapy career, perhaps these reasons will convince you. A career in massage therapy not only allows you to help others achieve better health and relaxation, but it also offers flexibility, personal satisfaction, and a variety of opportunities for specialization.
Growing Demand For Massage Therapists
Since the pandemic, the health and wellness industry has and is continuing to experience significant growth as people place a greater emphasis on their self-care and overall well-being. This increased focus on health has led to a rising demand for professionals in the field, making it an opportune time to consider a career in massage therapy.
Career opportunities for massage therapists are increasing faster compared to the average growth rate of all US occupations. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 18 percent from 2022 to 2032, with an average of 22,000 job openings annually.
Massage therapy is also increasingly being recommended by medical professionals as a significant component of their patients’ wellness plans, as it’s effective for managing pain and improving mental health conditions like anxiety and stress.
Various Specialty Options
Once you’re a licensed massage therapist, you can take your career further and choose a specialty you are passionate about. You have the opportunity to continue your education, at your own pace, by learning more advanced techniques or specializing in a specific modality.
The options here are endless to help you shape your career as you please – you can take classes and seminars on modalities that interest you such as prenatal massage, sports massage, neuromuscular therapy, acupressure, reflexology, reiki, hypnotherapy, and much more.
Low-Stress Working Environment
One of the biggest advantages of being a massage therapist is enjoying a low-pressure and low-stress job. Since a huge part of their daily work is creating a calming and relaxing environment for their clients, massage therapists get to have the same atmosphere as their work setting.
When it comes to work, the time commitment is clear-cut and manageable since massage sessions are scheduled and usually only lasts 1-2 hours per client.
High Earning Potential
Massage therapists typically get paid a fixed rate per service, but as they gain more experience and retain more clients, they can also earn through a commission basis. Later, they can venture into self-employment so they can earn the full rate for each hour worked, which ranges between $60 to $120.
The individual salaries of massage therapists can vary based on a different factors, including location, years of experience, type of employment and certification. In the US, massage therapists have an average base salary of $39.05 per hour during the first 2 years, and will increase as more years of experience is gained. Those who are employed in a spa or clinic receive more benefits and more compensation like health insurance, paid time off, and free services. Not to mention the daily tips from each client they service!
Flexible Work Schedule
Massage therapists, especially those who are independent contractors, have control over their workload and have a lot of flexibility in choosing their work schedules. Typically, they will take 2-3 clients a day, but they generally have the freedom to tailor their work hours creatively. Depending on their work environment, massage therapists can choose to provide sessions during daytime, after work hours, or weekends, depending on their preference.
Additionally, massage therapists can choose from a variety of work environments – they can run their own spa, studio, or mobile massage, or choose to work in a private practice, massage clinics or spas, physical therapy centers, hospitals, physicians offices, resorts, fitness centers, sporting events, and even airports and cruise ships.
Massage Therapy Is A Rewarding Career
Massage therapy is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling careers out there. Massage therapists help people for a living and contribute to each of their client’s wellness. Whether they treat injuries or help people de-stress, not many careers offer the feeling of self-fulfillment that massage therapy provides.
Opportunities for Growth
As the cherry on top, the sky’s the limit when it comes to the growth opportunities for massage therapists. Aside from the opportunity to open their own massage practice (which can take a few years after being licensed), massage therapists can diversify their income through massage add-ons, learning new techniques, selling retail, and advancing their skills.
Since they meet with clients daily, massage therapists meet plenty of people throughout their career. Through these connections, they can build relationships and network – enhancing their professional opportunities and reputation within the health and wellness community.
Conclusion
Pursuing a career in massage therapy offers not only the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of others but also provides personal fulfillment and professional growth. With the rising demand for wellness services, this career path can lead to a stable and rewarding future in the health and wellness industry.