| Massage Therapy is the career of choice for many | | | | bottom 10 percent have an average annual income of |
| young people. In December 2009, the federal Bureau | | | | approximately $16,670 while the upper 10 percent have |
| of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated that more than | | | | an average annual income of approximately $69,620. |
| 118,000 professional massage therapists were working | | | | Note that income potential varies significantly from |
| full-time in the United States. The American Massage | | | | state to state and from city to city depending on local |
| Therapy Association (AMTA) currently estimates that | | | | economic and employment conditions, as well as the |
| the number of massage therapists in the United | | | | number of hours you choose to work and the type of |
| States, including full-time, part-time and students, is | | | | facility where you choose to practice. For more |
| between 250,000 and 300,000. | | | | information, please consult the Bureau of Labor |
| Why is this career field so popular? Here are six | | | | Statistics and your local state labor department Web |
| compelling reasons: | | | | site. |
| - Massage Therapists Often Have Flexible Schedules. | | | | - Massage Therapy is an Expanding Career Field. |
| There is no such thing as a "standard" or "average" | | | | Again according to the BLS, employment opportunities |
| massage therapy position. Most therapists can choose | | | | for massage therapists are expected to be better |
| to work full time or part time, on weekdays or on | | | | than average compared to the job market as a whole, |
| weekends. | | | | with opportunities particularly good for people seeking |
| - Massage Therapists Can Work in a Variety of | | | | part-time work. On a national level, employment for |
| Facilities. When most people think of massage, they | | | | massage therapists is expected to have increased 20 |
| think of the day spas that have become so popular in | | | | percent between 2006 and 2016, according to the |
| recent years. But massage therapists may also find | | | | BLS. Statewide 2006-2016 growth projections in the |
| employment in hospitals, doctors' offices and medical | | | | massage therapy field currently range from a low of 7 |
| and rehabilitation clinics as well as destination resorts, | | | | percent in New York and Idaho to a high of 55 |
| fitness centers and cruise ships. | | | | percent in Nevada. (Occupational growth rates are |
| - Massage Therapy Training Can Be Completed in | | | | projections only, and will vary from community to |
| Less than a Year. Many career schools offer | | | | community.) |
| massage therapy training that can be completed in | | | | - Massage Therapy is a True "People Job." It's difficult |
| less than a year. (Note: Thirty-seven states, plus | | | | to imagine an occupation more "hands-on" than |
| Washington D.C., require massage therapists to | | | | massage therapy. Although the field is physically |
| undergo an accredited training program and then be | | | | demanding, it can be a great career for people who |
| licensed prior to going to work.) Continuing education | | | | don't like being trapped behind a desk and who enjoy |
| and specialty training is also available in many | | | | helping and interacting with other people. Successful |
| communities for people interested in expanding the | | | | massage therapists tend to be those who develop |
| variety of techniques offered. | | | | good rapport and relationships with the clients and are |
| - Massage Therapy Has Good Income Potential. | | | | able to establish a strong repeat business. |
| According to the BLS' most recent data (May 2008), | | | | If you're looking for a job where you can help people |
| the median annual income for massage therapists | | | | one-on-one without having to acquire a Bachelor or |
| nationwide is approximately $34,900, with half making | | | | Master's degree, then Massage Therapy is a career |
| more than that and half making less. Nationally, the | | | | you should consider. |