Everything You Need to Know About the Massage Therapy Industry

Last week we taught you everything you need to know about going to a massage therapy institute. This week we will focus on everything you need to know about the massage therapy industry.

After your proper schooling and once you acquire certification, the best place to start looking for employment is a part-time job at a spa or hospital. There are few opportunities for advancement, but managing the office you work in is good experience in the long-run for ultimately beginning your own business. Creating relationships with patients is very important because building up a clientele is necessary in order to start a private practice, where earnings will be highest.

Forbes magazine pointed out, in an article from 2006, that many hospitals are initiating massage programs and more doctors are recommending massage treatment. As a result, many insurance companies have begun to include massage in their coverage. Because of its rising popularity, many companies are even beginning to offer workplace massages in an effort to be more employee-friendly.

You'll also probably wonder what salaries are like. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the median wage of massage therapists is $16.78 per hour. Annual salaries vary significantly because many therapists work only part-time.

Considering all of the points discussed so far it is easy to appreciate the expectation that employment in massage therapy will grow faster than average for all occupations through 2018. As such, the applications and enrollment at massage schools and massage therapy institutes are expected to rise across the country. So don't wait any longer and find the right massage school so you can start your career!