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Average Salary & Job Outlook
Massage Median wages (May 2005) $32,890 yearly
Employment (2004) 97,000 jobs
About 3/4 of all massage therapists worked part-time
U.S. Minimum Wage $10,712 Annually
Median salary earnings of massage therapists, including
gratuities earned were $32,890 in 2005. Full-time massage therapists who
own their own businesses can earn $55,700.
Generally, massage therapists earn 15 to 20 percent of their
income as gratuities. For those who work in a hospital or other
clinical setting, however, tipping is not common.
Growth and employment numbers:
Massage therapists held about 97,000 jobs in 2004.
About two-thirds were self-employed. Of those self-employed,
most owned their own business, and the rest worked as
independent contractors. Others found employment in salons
and spas; the offices of physicians and chiropractors;
fitness and recreational sports centers; and hotels.
About three-quarters of all massage therapists worked part-time
or had variable schedules, although as mentioned earlier many
massage therapists who work 15 to 30 hours per week consider
themselves to be full-time workers.
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What is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is used as a means of treating painful
ailments, reducing stress, rehabilitating sports
injuries, and promoting general health. A trained
massage therapist accomplishes this by manipulating
a client’s soft tissues in order to improve
the body’s circulation, loosen muscles and
remove waste products from the muscles.
Massage therapy training can prepare you to work in an array of settings
both private and public, such as;
- Private offices
- Studios
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Cruise Ships
Some massage therapists travel to clients’ homes
or offices to provide a massage. It is not uncommon
for full-time massage therapist to divide their daily
work hours among several different settings, depending
on their clients’ needs.
Employment for massage therapists is expected to increase
faster than average over the period from 2006
to 2014 as more people experience the benefits
of massage therapy. Many states regulate massage
therapy and those individuals who complete formal
training programs and pass the national certification
exam are likely to have very good job opportunities
for many years to come.
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