Massage Job Outlook

The Massage Job Outlook Guide offered by the Bereau of Labor and Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition offers many insights into the massage profession. The key statement that they make right in the beginning:

This occupation includes a large percentage of part-time and self-employed workers.

is one of the biggest things to pay attention to. That means most massage therapists start their own business! Jobs are becoming more available but in general, they are low paying and mostly entry level jobs. Jobs can be a good way to learn the ropes and move into a self employed massage therapy career. Jobs in massage have only recently become available with the creation of the many massage franchise systems.

Nature of the Work

Doing Massage is a physical job. You will need to be in good shape and you will learn in massage school how to take care of yourself physically as well as mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Without good self care your chances of burn out and a short career increase significantly.

In general you will be working in a dimly lit room to enhance relaxation and will work one on one with clients. You will not be talking much to clients in a relaxation setting. If you work in more of a medical setting you can work in a brighter room and talk more with clients about their health and conditions.

Working for a massage franchise will mean low pay, long hours and having to work weekends, evenings and holidays. Other job opportunities are at spas, resorts, hotels as well as health clubs.

Working for yourself, you can create your own hours but you will need to be available in the beginning to develop your business. You will be able to charge more when you work for yourself but you will also have business expenses that will be deducted from your income still leaving quite a good income if you are able to build clientele.

The A Career in Massage - Is it for you? - The Truth About Becoming a Massage Therapist will tell you what a career in massage is really like and how you can navigate the profession to become very successful.

Massage Training/Licensing

Most states regulate the amount of training that you will need to become a massage therapist. You will have to check with each state where you want to work to see what is required. In general, you will be taking classes that include anatomy, kinesiology, physiology, pathology, massage theory, learning massage skills, ethics and business building.

Despite the contradictory information on the massage job outlook, you can still become a massage therapist and be very successful. What it takes is really being passionate about what you do and being committed to making your career work. You can find out more about careers in massage and what they are really like in my Massage Career Guide.

Once you are licensed as a massage therapist, you can get or create higher paying jobs when you know how to promote yourself. You can learn more about how to create your dream massage job in my Ebook - The Massage Job Guide

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