Are you considering a career in massage therapy but not sure if it will provide you with the income levels you desire? Interested in part-time work for full-time pay? Would you like the option of working for a spa while you build your own business and reputation? Massage therapy offers a variety of job openings and is currently on the rise in the job market and may be just what you're looking for.
More hospitals are now offering massage therapy, thus opening more jobs in the field. Spas, doctor's offices, and even gym's are offering full and part-time positions for massage therapists. Any of these places will offer a steady, stable income. The amount of money you make and the benefits you receive will depend on where you work and what is offered.
As a massage therapist you will often be paid a base pay per massage, generally in the $10-$15 range, but that wouldn't reflect your entire pay. In between massages you would be earning an hourly wage. It would be quite improbable that a person would stand for 40 hours a week doing constant massaging. Your hands would go numb! In between massages you will have paper work, be talking with your clients, or getting your area cleaned and prepped for your next appointment. Your paycheck would reflect pay based on how many massages you did in addition to an hourly wage. Working for a hospital or spa is often desirable for those who aren't interested in dealing with the tasks of running their own business or providing their own heath care.
Those of you who do choose to work for yourselves and run your own businesses benefit from being able to charge the fee you feel is adequate and make your own hours. This would be ideal for a mom who isn't ready to leave her children for full-time employment. The normal fee for an hour long massage can be anywhere from $25-$100. In 2008, a massage therapist working an average of 15 hours per week was able to make an estimated $31,000. That's not too shabby for a part-time job.
If you decide to go into business for yourself you'll have to remember there are costs associated with doing so. You may be able to build your clientele and charge at the higher end of the fee scale, but you will have expenses that you'll be responsible for. You'll need to purchase your own massage table and/or chairs, provide your own equipment as well as oils and lotions. You'll need to pay your taxes and provide yourself with health insurance. You'll also need to have liability insurance. You may need to rent space and pay for advertising as well as keep up on your association fees and dues.
There is certainly money to be made in this growing field. It's up to you how much or how little you want to make. Like with most careers, hard work and dedication will normally bring you the biggest paycheck.
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