Six Reasons to Consider a Career in Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy is the career of choice for many young people. In December 2009, the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated that more than 118,000 professional massage therapists were working full-time in the United States. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) currently estimates that the number of massage therapists in the United States, including full-time, part-time and students, is between 250,000 and 300,000.

Why is this career field so popular? Here are six compelling reasons:

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  Massage Therapists Often Have Flexible Schedules. There is no such thing as a "standard" or "average" massage therapy position. Most therapists can choose to work full time or part time, on weekdays or on weekends.


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  Massage Therapists Can Work in a Variety of Facilities. When most people think of massage, they think of the day spas that have become so popular in recent years. But massage therapists may also find employment in hospitals, doctors' offices and medical and rehabilitation clinics as well as destination resorts, fitness centers and cruise ships.


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  Massage Therapy Training Can Be Completed in Less than a Year. Many career schools offer massage therapy training that can be completed in less than a year. (Note: Thirty-seven states, plus Washington D.C., require massage therapists to undergo an accredited training program and then be licensed prior to going to work.) Continuing education and specialty training is also available in many communities for people interested in expanding the variety of techniques offered.


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  Massage Therapy Has Good Income Potential. According to the BLS' most recent data (May 2008), the median annual income for massage therapists nationwide is approximately $34,900, with half making more than that and half making less. Nationally, the bottom 10 percent have an average annual income of approximately $16,670 while the upper 10 percent have an average annual income of approximately $69,620. Note that income potential varies significantly from state to state and from city to city depending on local economic and employment conditions, as well as the number of hours you choose to work and the type of facility where you choose to practice. For more information, please consult the Bureau of Labor Statistics and your local state labor department Web site.


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  Massage Therapy is an Expanding Career Field. Again according to the BLS, employment opportunities for massage therapists are expected to be better than average compared to the job market as a whole, with opportunities particularly good for people seeking part-time work. On a national level, employment for massage therapists is expected to have increased 20 percent between 2006 and 2016, according to the BLS. Statewide 2006-2016 growth projections in the massage therapy field currently range from a low of 7 percent in New York and Idaho to a high of 55 percent in Nevada. (Occupational growth rates are projections only, and will vary from community to community.)


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  Massage Therapy is a True "People Job." It's difficult to imagine an occupation more "hands-on" than massage therapy. Although the field is physically demanding, it can be a great career for people who don't like being trapped behind a desk and who enjoy helping and interacting with other people. Successful massage therapists tend to be those who develop good rapport and relationships with the clients and are able to establish a strong repeat business.

If you're looking for a job where you can help people one-on-one without having to acquire a Bachelor or Master's degree, then Massage Therapy is a career you should consider.