What is a massage therapist?
A massage therapist is a professional who have been trained to use touch to manipulate the soft tissues in the body. The goal of the massage therapist is to help clients relax and improve their overall health. Massage therapists can work in personal care offices, chiropractor offices, hotels and fitness centers. A small percentage of massage therapist are self-employed.
What type of education and training is needed to practice as a massage therapist?
The education and training needed to become a massage therapist can vary, depending on the state. However, almost all states require that massage therapists complete 500 or more hours of professional training. This training is typically completed at a community or technical college.
Additionally, most states require that massage therapists be certified. The National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and Massage And Bodywork Licensing Examination are the nationally-recognized certification tests.
It takes a lot more than the right education to become a successful massage therapist. Massage therapists are required to have great decision making and communication skills. They also spend a great deal of time on their feet, so physical stamina is another skill that people who are interested in this field should have.
How much do massage therapist make?
The median pay for a massage therapist is around $34,000 per year or $16.00 per hour. New massage therapists typically start off making less than $17,000 per year, and seasoned massage therapist can make over $70,000 per year. A person’s place of employment will also determine their salary. Additionally, massage therapists can earn extra money in tips.
It is important to note that massage therapists are typically paid by the hour, and most of them work part-time. In fact, only 25 percent of massage therapists currently work full-time.
What is the job outlook like for a massage therapist?
The field of massage therapy as a whole is expected to grow by 20 percent within the next 10 years. This is much faster than the national average for all other professions. There has been an increased demand for qualified massage therapists to work in spas.
Furthermore, the licensing requirements for a massage therapists are becoming stricter. This means that the practice of massage therapy is likely to become more respected and accepted as a means to reduce pain and improve overall health. Currently, there are over 153,000 massage therapists in the United States (http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm#tab-6)