Salary for a Spa Massage Therapist
The practice of using touch and pressure to manipulate the soft-tissue muscles of the body is known as massage therapy. A massage therapist performs these techniques to treat clients suffering from sore muscles associated with overworked tissue, sports injuries, medical conditions and to reduce overall stress in the body. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a large percentage of individuals employed as massage therapists are part-time or self-employed workers.
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Traveler Accommodation
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One of the many different areas massage therapists are employed is the traveler accommodation sector. This consists of hotels, spa and recreation facilities, hotel casinos and other services that cater to travelers and their needs. Approximately 55,920 massage therapists are employed in this segment of the workforce, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Average annual earnings range between $17,270 and $68,670, with the average salary totaling $35,230, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statics records in May 2009.
Personal Services
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The persona services sector of the workforce includes most self-employed massage therapists, as well as other individuals who perform personal care services for clients such as hairstylists, personal trainers and child care workers. According to figures released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2009, 24,570 massage therapists earned approximately $37,700 annually.
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Office Of Health Practitioners
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Many health care related offices such as midwives, chiropractors and mental health professionals offer their clients the benefits of massage therapy as well. The approximate 14,220 massage therapists working in this health care setting averaged $44,290 annually as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2009.
Physician Offices
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In addition to the other types of health care offices that employ massage therapists, some physicians' offices employ massage therapists as well. In May 2009, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 1,260 massage therapists were employed in this sector of the market, earning an average of $39,450 each year.
Considerations
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The annual salary of a massage therapist depends on a variety of factors, much like all professions. The location of the practice and affiliation are key determining factors. Massage therapists associated with a medical professional's office has the potential to earn more than many self-employed workers due to the access of patients. After a customer base has been established, a massage therapist may choose to work independently and manage their own business, which provides further room for growth as additional massage therapists are hired.
Licensing
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Some states require massage therapists to be licensed by the state after successfully completing a massage therapy training program. Typically, licensure requires an examination either for the particular state or in accordance with national certification exams of the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork or the Bodywork Licensing Examination.
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References
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- Photo Credit massage therapy at the spa image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
