Therapeutic Massage
Career Facts
 

Nature of Work

Massage therapists manipulate the soft tissues of the body including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints to relax or reduce pain in patients or customers. Massage therapists may be self-employed in private practice, employed in a variety of health care settings, in health and beauty spas, in sports or exercise complexes, or in large lodging and travel facilities.
 

Employment prospects

Jobs in massage therapy are expected to increase faster than average.  Graduates of this program are eligible to take the National Certification Exam, which is necessary in order to advertise as a "certified" massage therapist.  Most graduates are self-employed which requires building a clientele, however many hospitals and chiropractic offices are using massage as a enhancement to medical treatment.
 

Skills you need

To succeed as a massage therapist, you will need physical strength, mobility, and good interpersonal, communication, listening and critical thinking skills.
 

Expected earnings

Average earnings for self-employed practitioners is between $40 and $60 per hour. If employed in a clinic, spa, salon, etc., practitioners earn a percentage of the client fee.

 

Back to Top