If you’re starting out or looking to take on a new career in the health and wellness industry in 2023, then massage therapy should be high on your list. Massage Therapy is an incredibly rewarding career and is well-suited for an individual who is compassionate, hardworking, and dreams of helping others.
Wondering how to become a massage therapist (especially in Pennsylvania)? Check out our blog on the topic.
Let’s dive into the top five benefits of beginning a career in massage therapy.
The Top 5 Benefits Of A Massage Therapy Career
If you’re starting out or looking to take on a new career in the health and wellness industry in 2023, then massage therapy should be high on your list. Massage Therapy is an incredibly rewarding career and is well-suited for an individual who is compassionate, hardworking, and dreams of helping others.
Wondering how to become a massage therapist (especially in Pennsylvania)? Check out our blog on the topic.
Let’s dive into the top five benefits of beginning a career in massage therapy.
1. The Alternative Health Industry Is Booming
Alternative healthcare in the United States is growing at an incredible rate, with Americans spending over $30 billion (out of pocket) a year on alternative therapies, including massage therapy.
With people seeking out alternative ways to treat their aches and pains, the massage therapy profession is growing at an even quicker rate. Over the next decade, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows projected growth of 21 percent.
There has never been a better time than now to begin your massage therapy career.
2. Work Opportunities Abound
If you’re someone who gets easily distracted by living the same life day in and day out, massage therapy is one of the few careers that offers a variety of work opportunities. After you graduate from a licensed massage therapy school, you get to decide what setting you want to work in, the type of massage or bodywork you want to provide, and the type of clients you like to work with.
As a massage therapist, you can choose to be a generalist and offer your services to a broader range of clients. Or you can choose to narrow your focus and specialize. Specializing in a certain type of massage or clientele is one way to become known as an expert in your field.
Here are some settings you can choose to work in as a massage therapist:
- Alternative health and wellness clinic
- A Chiropractor or physical therapist office
- An established massage therapy practice
- A spa, salon, hotel, or resort.
- Cruises
- Gyms
- Your own office
- Your home or client’s home
As you head into massage therapy school, take some time to consider your setting, type of massage modality, and client. Your teachers can help you determine your strengths and set you in the right direction.
3. Excellent Income Potential
Many of our students ask us, “can you make good money as a massage therapist?”
The answer is yes, you can. The median pay is $42,820 per year, which varies significantly depending on where you live, where you work, whether you’re self-employed or an employee, how many hours you choose to work, and whether you’re committed to developing your skillset.
The American Massage Therapy Association has an informative industry fact sheet that indicates massage therapists typically charge an average of $75 for a one-hour massage and work an average of 26.6 hours.
Your income will be based on where you work; however, working for yourself is typically the most common and highest-paying option. Be sure to consider the pros and cons of each job setting, one that best fits your work style and personality.
4. Flexible Work Schedule
If you’re looking for an escape from the average 9-5 job, massage therapy is a great way to forge your own path and schedule. While there are massage therapy jobs that offer full-time positions, there are plenty of other ways to arrange your schedule. You’re able to work part-time, weekends, contract hours, or as a “side hustle.”
If you’re looking for the ultimate flexible work schedule, become self-employed and learn how to market yourself well.
5. Massage Therapy Is A Rewarding Career
And finally, enjoying the job you choose for yourself is essential. Massage therapy made the Top 100 Best Jobs in the 2021 U.S. News & World Report.
Of course, we don’t want you to think we’re looking at massage therapy through rose-colored glasses. We have a combined thirty years in the industry at NEPA School of Massage, so we know the pros and cons well. While rewarding, there are challenges because every client has their own individual issues that need to be accommodated.
Due to how many different people you’ll see throughout your day as a massage therapist, it’ll help your workdays feel less monotonous. You’ll help each of your clients overcome pain, anxiety, depression, trauma, and injuries.
Is Massage Therapy the Career For You?
Only you can answer that.
If this blog has kept your attention this far, you might already possess the qualities needed for a successful career in massage therapy. If you’re ready for a challenging and rewarding profession, look no further than massage therapy.