In May 2010, a mean annual wage of $39,770 was reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the 60,040 people employed in this field. The lowest ten percent of earners received an average annual wage of $17,970, the middle 50 percent earned $34,900, and an average annual wage of $69,000 was paid to the top ten percent of earners in this field.
The personal care services industry had the highest employment levels in this field. Many massage therapists also found work in the industries of traveler accommodation, recreation and amusement other than theme parks, and the offices of physicians and other health practitioners. Specialty hospitals other than substance abuse and psychiatric hospitals were the top paying industry, featuring an annual mean wage of $55,020. Dentist offices, junior colleges, nursing care facilities, and general surgical and medical hospitals were other high paying industries.
Massage Therapy Salaries by State
Alaska paid its massage therapists an annual mean wage that averaged $86,250, nearly $30,000 more than the second highest-paying state of Delaware. Other states that offered the best pay included Washington, Vermont, and New York. An annual mean wage of between $19,010 and $31,330 was offered by the lowest paying states including Alabama, Oklahoma, Nevada, Mississippi, West Virginia, and Ohio.
Massage Therapist Job Description
Massage therapists use touch to manipulate soft-tissue muscles of clients for either therapeutic or relaxation purposes. They have over 80 types, or modalities, of massage to select from, each of which requires a certain technique. Most therapists specialize in a few modalities to provide massages ranging from five minutes to two hours. Physical condition and needs of the client usually determine the type and length of massage. Massage therapists work by appointment in private offices, within the home of a client, or at locations like fitness centers, hospitals, or even airports.
Massage Therapist Job Outlook
2008 - 2018 Employment Changes
23,200 new massage therapy jobs
19% increase in employment
Massage therapy is expected to experience faster than average employment growth- 19 percent from 2008 to 2018. Individuals who complete a formal training program and receive a passing score on the required examination will have the most opportunities. However, most new massage therapists will work part-time until they build their own client base. As of May 2010, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that California, Florida, Texas, Washington, and Illinois employed the most massage therapists.
Massage Therapist Education & Training
As of 2009, the District of Columbia and 42 states had massage therapy-related laws. Most state boards require that massage therapists complete a formal educational program and pass an exam. Public or private postsecondary institutions offer education, which usually includes 500 hours or more of study. To be admitted, students usually must have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Students learn anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, ethics, and hands-on massage techniques. Some training programs focus on one or more modalities.
A state board generally accredits a massage therapy program but an independent agency may also provide accreditation. Continuing education is required within some states to ensure that massage therapists increase their knowledge and are exposed to new techniques. Those entering this career must be able to make clients comfortable because massage is sometimes a delicate issue.
In the states regulating massage therapy, individuals must get a license before they practice massage. A passing score on an exam is often required to earn a license. States offer exams and there are also two national exams: the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) and the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB). The state licensing board determines which tests are acceptable. Licensure renewal may be required to continue in this career.
Related Occupations
Chiropractors, physical therapists, and athletic trainers provide services similar to those offered by massage therapists. Chiropractors offer diagnosis and treatment of patients whose musculoskeletal system health issues affect their general health and nervous system, with spinal manipulation a common treatment. Physical therapists diagnose and treat patients with medical issues that limit their movements and ability to perform functional activities. Athletic trainers help prevent, treat, and rehabilitate bone and muscle injuries and illnesses of everyone from industry workers to professional athletes.
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