Standard Massage Therapy Job Descriptions & Salaries

Massage therapy is a quickly growing field.

Massage therapy is a career field that allows you to work in many different environments. You can be your own employer or work for a spa, chiropractor, acupuncturist, physical therapist, or for a sports team.

Job Description

Massage therapists perform massages and body treatments on their clients in either health spa or medical settings. They are responsible for setting up their treatment room and cleaning up after their treatments, and may be responsible for cleaning the laundry and other tools used in their services.

Salaries in Salons or Spas

The salary of a massage therapist depends on her chosen work environment. In most salons and spas a massage therapist will make a percentage of the services she performs. The typical commission for a massage therapist is 35 percent to 50 percent. In some salons or spas, the massage therapist is expected to provide all of her supplies, including linens, while other maintain all supplies and equipment. As of fall 2010, the average salary for a beginning full-time massage therapist is $30,000 to $50,000.

Salaries in Other Settings

In medical or sports settings, massage therapists may make an hourly wage, the average of which is $15 per hour as of 2010. In these settings, equipment and supplies are provided and maintained by the employer.

References

• State University: Massage Therapist Job description
• Payscale: Massage Therapists