Massage Therapist

What is massage therapist?
A massage therapist is a trained and licensed professional skilled in the medicinal benefits of massage. Massage therapists generally specialize in a few types of massage, so some will be better suited to clients with different needs. A massage therapist works by appointment. They may work out of a salon, spa or sports center, or even out of someone's home.

Before a session, the massage therapist should learn each client's medical history. They will also learn the desired results from the massage. If the therapist determines that massage therapy could be beneficial and not harmful, he or she will begin the session. A massage therapist will concentrate on the areas of each client's discomfort. The therapist will work based on the person's goals, ailments, medical history, and stress- or pain-related problem areas. Massage therapists alter their approach or concentrate on a particular area as necessary.

People also seek out massage therapists for relief of pain from accidents and sports injuries. This has contributed to rapid growth in the massage therapy field. The U.S. Department of Labor expects employment opportunities for massage therapists to increase between 18 and 26 percent by 2014.

What can you earn with a massage therapist career?
There are lots of opportunities for monetary gain in the massage therapy career field. According to the American Massage Therapy Association, consumers spend $4 to $6 billion a year on visits to massage therapists.

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that someone in the massage therapy career field generally earns an hourly wage plus tips. The Bureau also indicates that median hourly earnings for massage therapists are $15.36. The middle 50 percent earn between $9.78 and $23.82 an hour. The highest 10 percent earn more than $32.21, and the lowest 10 percent earn less than $7.16.

Gratuities can account for 15 to 20 percent of a massage therapist's income. Therapists who work in hospitals or medical settings do not receive tips.

Interested in getting your massage therapy career started? Learn how to become a massage therapist!