Becoming a Professional Massage Therapist
Massage Therapy Growing as a Career Opportunity
As public acceptance of massage has grown in the United States over the past 15 years, the number of massage therapists has risen dramatically. AMTA estimates that the number of massage therapists in the United States, including students, is between 280,000 and 320,000.
The number of massage therapy training programs in the United States has leveled out and even decreased slightly in the past two years. There are currently approximately 1,120 massage therapy schools and programs offering training of at least 500 initial hours.
Training programs in massage therapy generally require a high school diploma, though postsecondary education is useful. Previous studies in broad subjects such as science (especially anatomy and physiology), business and humanities are helpful.
Variations on Massage Therapy Careers
There is no such thing as "a standard massage therapy practice." One of the reasons individuals choose this profession is because of the flexibility it offers in terms of work hours, independence, and choice of practice locations and types.
Massage therapists can work full time or part-time. It is important to note that due to the physical demands of massage, full time is defined as 17 or more hours of actual massage per week. Massage therapists spend additional time on things like scheduling, billing, housekeeping, marketing, etc. According to 2009 AMTA surveys, massage therapists earn an average wage of $45 an hour (including tips) for all massage related work. More than half of massage therapists (54 percent) also earn income working in another profession.
Income levels for massage therapists vary by region of the country, experience and type of practice
Settings in Which Massage Therapists Practice
Massage therapists practice in a variety of settings and locations and in a variety of contractual arrangements. A therapist may also practice at several different sites and/or settings in a single day. Some examples of locations in which massage therapists practice are:
- massage office
- group practice
- office in home
- physicians' offices and clinics
- hospitals and wellness centers
- nursing homes/hospices
- chiropractic offices
- on-site (chair massage in offices, airports, at public events, etc.)
- health clubs and fitness centers
- sports teams and events (amateur and professional)
- hotels
- spas and resorts
- beauty and hair salons
- cruise ships
While massage therapists work in a variety of work environments, sole practitioners or independent contractors account for the largest percentage of practicing therapists (96 percent). Thirty-eight percent work at least part of their time at a client's home/business/corporate setting or their home, 25 percent in a healthcare setting, and 23 percent in a spa setting.
Modalities Practiced by Massage Therapists
The massage therapy profession includes practitioners of many modalities and specialties. The five most commonly practiced massage types are:
- Swedish
- Trigger point/neuromuscular
- Deep Tissue
- Sports Massage
- Shiatsu
The Path to a Career in Massage Therapy
Pursuing a career in massage therapy often involves three steps:
- Complete a training program that will qualify you to practice in the location you choose.
- Meet the requirements of your state or municipality (such as obtaining a license or other credential, if you practice in an area where massage therapy is regulated). This will most likely require passing an exam, the most common being the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) or an exam administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork.
- Become nationally certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. Certification is required in many states and in others provides massage therapists with a credential beyond the entry-level exam required to practice.
Editorial content provided by the American Massage Therapy Association.
