A career as a massage therapist offers flexibility with hours, interaction with people, and the chance to break into the healthcare field. Massage therapy is a popular method for relieving stress and easing muscular aches and pains.
In order to gain employment as a massage therapist, you will need to attend massage school. Often, you can receive a massage therapy certification in less than a year and begin working right away. It is also possible to offer your services on your own, joining the ranks of the self-employed.
Massage Therapist Facts and Stats:
Duties of a Massage Therapist: Massage therapists treat their clients to personal massages. They can choose to specialize in sports massages, spa therapy, or medical massages.
Massage Therapist Work Environment: Massage therapists work closely with clients from their own office, spa, health club, or even a hospital. They spend most of their day standing and bending. The hours are flexible.
Massage Therapist Education and Training: Massage therapists must abide by regulations in many parts of the U.S. To practice in most states, you will need to take a National Certification Exam. Massage school is recommended and often a requirement of those considering a career as a massage therapist.
Massage Therapist Salaries: The average wages for massage therapists is about $16 an hour. It's possible to make over $30 an hour with the right position and background. Up to 20% of a massage therapists income is earned from gratuities.