Massage Therapist Salary
Massage therapy is a rewarding career for people interested in helping others. Massage therapy is practiced in many settings, giving a massage therapist a choice of what atmosphere to work in. The salary of a massage therapist varies by area, employers and place of work and whether you work full or part time or as a sub-contractor. It also depends on the level of experience and education.
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Employment
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The US Department of Labor reports that massage therapists held about 118,000 jobs in 2006. Of that 118,000, 64 percent were self-employed. Some industry sources estimate that more than 200,000 people practice massage therapy in some capacity. Of the self-employed, most owned their own businesses, while the rest were independent contractors. Others were employed in salons and spas, physician offices, hotels and sports fitness centers. Massage therapists can find employment anywhere in the country, but work is concentrated in metropolitan areas and destination locations.
Massage Therapy Facts
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An average price range for a massage therapy session is between $25 and $100 per hour. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) notes that the average is $63 per hour. Besides the hourly rate, some massage therapists receive a supplemental income from tips. Massage therapists employed by hospitals do not usually receive tips. Many therapists work in more than one setting. However, a survey conducted by AMTA reports that 92 percent of massage therapists classify themselves as sole practitioners or independent contractors.
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Industry Growth
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Getting all the facts about a massage therapy salaries is a good idea if you want to start a career. It is also a good idea to find out the growth trends for the industry. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics expects a 20 percent employment growth for the industry between 2006 and 2016. This is a faster growth than the average for all occupations. AMTA states the between 2004 and 2006, the number of hospitals offering massage increased by 30 percent
Salary Data
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Massage therapy salaries are dependent upon employment settings. Salaries are highest for therapists working in a health care setting. Typically, working in a health care field may require expertise in a special area or for specific injuries. The knowledge required to treat particular conditions usually corresponds to a higher salary. The starting salary is typically based on industry standards and is therefore somewhat flexible. Working at multiple establishments is a way to raise the salary range. A survey conducted by AMTA found that a massage therapist who worked 15 hours per week in 2008 earned an average of $31,500. About 58 percent of massage therapists earn part of their income from another profession.
Cost
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If you're considering building a massage business, it is important to keep in mind some upfront or hidden costs. These are essential to a successful practice but can often be overlooked. They include advertising/marketing, health insurance and liability insurance and marketing. There are also dues and fees for maintaining a current license and belonging to associations. Knowing what is needed upfront is a good way to keep cost down and the income flowing.
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