Massage Therapist Career Guide

What is a massage therapist?

A massage therapist is someone trained to rub and press the body’s soft spots to help you relax, feel better, and heal from injuries. They use different methods and tools to help you get rid of pain, stress less, sleep better, and improve your overall happiness. They don’t just massage; they really get to know what’s going on with your health and feelings to make sure their massage helps you the most. Their goal is to make people healthier and happier.

Duties and responsibilities

The main job of a massage therapist is to figure out what’s bothering you and how they can help with a massage. They chat with you first to understand your needs and any health issues. They keep detailed records of what they do with each client to track progress and make sure they’re being safe.

They do massages that might include deep muscle massage, relaxing Swedish massage, or sports massage, among others. They always act professionally, keeping your privacy and comfort in mind. They also keep their space clean and follow strict health rules to make sure everything is safe and hygienic.

Work environment

Massage therapists can work in a bunch of different places like clinics, gyms, spas, sports teams, hospitals, or even at your home. They need a quiet and calm space to work, which often includes dim lights and soft music to make sure you’re relaxed during your massage.

Typical work hours

Massage therapists often work when it’s convenient for their clients, which means evenings and weekends are common. Some might have more regular hours if they work at a spa or a wellness center. Many of these therapists work part-time and juggle other jobs because the work can be physically tough and they can’t do it for too many hours at a stretch.

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How to become a massage therapist

Becoming a massage therapist involves a few steps. Here’s a guide to get you started:

Step 1: Start in high school

If you’re still in high school and already know you want to be a massage therapist, that’s great! Start by paying extra attention in biology, anatomy (which is all about body parts), and physio (how the body works). If you can, take some physical education classes to better understand how the body moves.

Step 2: Go for a diploma or degree

After high school, you should look for a program that teaches massage therapy. Make sure it’s a program recognized by important groups like the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). You’ll learn all about different ways to massage, how to keep your workspace clean and safe, and the right way to run your massage business.

Step 3: Practice makes perfect

While studying, you’ll get the chance to actually practice what you’re learning. This hands-on training is super important because it lets you try out your skills in real-life situations.

Step 4: Get licensed

In most places, you can’t just start working as a massage therapist—you need a license. This usually means you have to pass a special test. The Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) is one common test you might take.

Step 5: Get certified

Sometimes, just having a license isn’t enough. Some places also want you to be certified, which is another way to show you really know your stuff. The Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (BCTMB) is one good certification to have.

Step 6: Work and learn

Start working wherever you can get experience, like internships or part-time jobs. This is your chance to get better at your massage skills and figure out what kind of work environment you like best.

Step 7: Keep learning

Even after you start working, there’s always new stuff to learn. Keep going to workshops and training sessions to stay on top of new massage techniques and industry news.

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How much do massage therapists make?

Massage therapist salaries will vary by experience, industry, education, location, and organization size. The demand for these pros tends to be higher in areas with a concentration of spas or wellness centers, thus increasing their potential income.

Highest paying industries

• Outpatient Care Centers: $66,720
• Hospitals: $63,410
• Accommodation: $60,040
• Offices of Other Health Practitioners: $58,870
• Personal Care Services: $57,670

Browse massage therapist salary data by market

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Types of massage therapists

Massage therapists can specialize in various areas depending on who they want to help and where they want to work. Here are some common types:

Clinical massage therapist

These therapists work in healthcare settings like chiropractor offices or physical therapy clinics. They focus on helping patients feel less pain and stress through specific massage techniques. They often team up with doctors to help patients recover from injuries or manage health conditions.

Sports massage therapist

These therapists specialize in working with athletes. They use their skills to help athletes perform better, recover from injuries faster, and prevent future pain. They can work anywhere athletes are, like gyms, sports facilities, or even at sports events.

Spa massage therapist

Spa therapists work in places focused on relaxation, like spas, fancy hotels, or cruise ships. They provide massages that help people relax and feel good. They might also do special treatments like hot stone therapy or aromatherapy.

Self-employed massage therapist

Some massage therapists choose to work for themselves. This means they can decide their work hours, pick their clients, and set their prices. They might work out of their homes, rent a space, or travel to their clients’ places.

Prenatal massage therapist

These therapists work with pregnant women, helping to ease the discomforts of pregnancy like back pain or swollen legs. They’re trained in safe techniques specifically for expecting moms to help make their pregnancy experience smoother and more comfortable.

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Top skills for massage therapists

If you’re thinking about becoming a massage therapist, here are some important skills you’ll need:

Know your stuff about the body

You need to really understand how the human body works, especially the muscles and bones. This helps you figure out the best way to massage someone to help them feel better.

Be physically fit

Massage therapists need to be pretty strong and have the energy to stay on their feet for a long time. You’ll be using your hands and arms a lot, so it’s important to keep yourself in good shape.

Talk and listen well

It’s super important to talk clearly and listen to what your clients want. You’ll need to explain things simply and make sure your clients are comfortable and know what to expect. Being kind and understanding goes a long way in making clients feel at ease.

Great customer service

You’ll want to make sure your clients have the best experience possible. This means setting up a relaxing space and really tuning into what they need. Being friendly and attentive can make clients want to come back and recommend you to others.

Know a bit about business

If you want to be your own boss, you’ll need some basic business skills. This includes things like promoting your services, keeping track of money, and understanding the rules for running a business in your area. There are plenty of resources, like online classes or local business centers, to help you learn these skills.

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Massage therapist career path options

If you’re planning to become a massage therapist, you’ve got a lot of exciting directions you could take your career. Here are some cool options:

Specialize in something cool

You can choose to specialize in a particular type of massage, like sports massage for athletes or prenatal massage for expectant mothers. This lets you focus on helping specific types of clients and can make you stand out in the field.

Start your own business

If you like the idea of being in charge, you could start your own massage therapy business. This means you get to decide when you work and how much you earn, but you’ll also need to know a bit about running a business. It’s a big challenge but can be really rewarding.

Teach others

Once you’ve got a lot of experience, you could teach new therapists what you know. You could be a part-time guest speaker or even a full-time teacher at a school that trains massage therapists. This is a great way to share your skills and help shape the future of massage therapy.

Move into management

If you work at a place like a spa, wellness center, or even on a cruise ship, you might have the chance to become a manager. This means you would be in charge of a team of therapists. It’s a great way to build your leadership skills and grow in your career.

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Similar job titles

• Physical Therapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Chiropractor
• Personal Trainer
• Athletic Trainer
• Physical Therapy Assistant
• Registered Nurse
• Physician Assistant
• Certified Nursing Assistant
• Dietary Aide

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Position trends and outlook for massage therapists

The job scene for massage therapists looks really promising! Here’s why more people will be looking for them in the future:

• Holistic health is trending: These days, more people are into holistic (whole-body) health, which means they want to feel good without always taking medicine or undergoing surgeries. Massage therapy fits perfectly into this because it’s a natural way to deal with stress and body pain.
• Specializing is the new thing: There’s also a big push for therapists to become experts in specific areas, like massages for athletes, kids, or therapies that focus on specific body points. This trend means you can choose a special area to become really good at, which can open up more job opportunities and ways to grow your career.

Employment projections

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs for massage therapists is expected to jump by 20% through 2031, which is a lot faster than most other jobs. This growth is mainly because more people are seeing the benefits of massage, like feeling less pain and more relaxed.

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Massage therapist career tips

Learn lots of massage techniques

The more massage techniques you know, like Swedish, deep tissue, or Thai massage, the more problems you can help solve for different people. Regular practice and attending workshops will keep you sharp and skilled.

Build your network

Connecting with others in your field can lead to new opportunities and learning. Join groups like:

• American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)
• National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB)
• Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)
• International Association of Healthcare Practitioners (IAHP)

Talk well with clients

Before you start a massage session, chat with your client to understand their needs and any pain they’re feeling. Knowing their health history and what they’re hoping to get from the massage helps you give them a better experience.

Never stop learning

Staying updated and expanding your knowledge is key. You can:

• Attend seminars and workshops related to massage or even sports science
• Take courses in different massage techniques
• Watch online classes on how to manage clients or market your business
• Read books and subscribe to magazines that talk about massage therapy

Consider certifications

Earning certifications like a Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (BCTMB) shows that you’re serious and skilled. It can open up more job opportunities and help your career grow.

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FAQs