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Massage Therapist Salary Information
Find Massage Therapy Schools & Get a Massage Career Overview
Find Massage Therapy Schools & Get a Massage Career Overview
- How much money can I make doing massage?
- What tools will I need to start my own massage business?
- How long does it take to build a thriving massage therapy career?
How much money can I make doing massage?
Massage salaries can be varied depending a person’s industry experience, practice location or business proprietorship. There are practitioners who have made around $180,000 per year for several years doing massage. (See: Thriving Massage Practice) There are also many practitioners who scrape by month after month. In-between there is a broad range of folks, including part-timers, full-timers and entrepreneurs with multiple employees.
Massage therapists earn a comparable annual income when compared to other health care support workers. Today’s massage therapist:
- Charges an average of $58 for one hour of massage
- Earns an average wage of $39 an hour (including tips) for all massage related work
- Earns an average annual income of $29,250 (including tips) providing 15 hours of massage per week
Statistics based on the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2004-2005 Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Donda Sternberg, professional massage therapist, says to prospective massage students, "If you want to become a massage therapist because you're thinking about the dollar value, things may not unfold for you. If you are doing it from your heart, you will have a phenomenal career. You have to have it in you to help people."
What tools will I need to start my own massage business?
Being prepared with the right tools is an important part of starting a business. Depending on the massage practice you choose, there are some tangible items you may need to purchase or lease. Some of these items may include:
- A massage table or chair
- Multiple sets of sheets
- Lotion or oils
Of course, your desire to help others is an inspirational tool that is helpful when joining the massage therapy industry - this dedication will help you enjoy a rewarding career when working with clients. Your level of success in massage depends on your skills, your ambition, your personality, where you live, the kind of bodywork you practice, your ability to network and your ability to market yourself.
How long does it take to build a thriving massage therapy career?
Enjoying the fruits of a thriving massage therapy career can take anywhere from a few months to a few years. Most successful massage therapists reach a good practice level within two years, though some take longer. Things you can do to have a thriving practice:
- Strive for quality work with each client
- Get involved in the community you practice in – become genuinely involved
- Understand your ambition and goals
- Maintain positive energy levels
- Develop effective marketing and networking efforts
- Value your local reputation – word of mouth can increase your clientele
- Have a warm and friendly personality
Related Reading
- Comprehensive List of Massage Schools
- Career Tips from Seasoned Massage Therapists
- Massage Therapist Job Description
- A Massage Therapy Career + Training
- Eight Tips to Keep and Cultivate Massage Clients
Looking for a Massage Therapy School?
Try our Massage Therapy Schools + Training page, which offers program descriptions and request information forms to find out more.
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