Massage Therapy Jobs - What You Need Before You Start

Thinking of a career in massage therapy? There are some things you need to know before deciding on this career path. What type of certification or training is needed? Where are the best places to find massage therapy jobs? What kind of money can I expect to make? This article will attempt to answer these questions to help you make a good decision.

A massage therapist’s job is to help relieve tension and pain, provide relaxation, and generally improve overall physical health. Anyone who has ever had a professional massage can attest to how invigorated and refreshed you feel after your massage. It’s a great stress reliever as well.

Massage Therapy Jobs And Qualifications

The first qualification necessary to enter a training program to be a massage therapist is a high school diploma or GED. You don’t need a specialized degree to obtain massage therapy jobs; however, you do need specialized training. Training includes courses in different types of massage such as reflexology, sports and Swedish massage. You also have to take courses in business management, anatomy, body mechanics and ethics, and you will need hands-on practice as well. The exams you need to pass for licensing are the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, as well as the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam. Aspiring massage therapists must complete a minimum of 500 hours of study before they can take the licensing exams. The costs for this type of training program can vary by location. Look into grant funding availability for this type of certification program.

Income possibilities for massage therapy jobs vary, depending on whether you seek to work in the private or public sector. Income also varies depending on the amount of formal training you have, years you’ve been in practice, and of course, location. The reported median salary for a massage therapist in 2008 was about $16-$17 an hour. Today, a massage therapist can make up to $30 an hour. Positions at high-end spas and retreats could pay even more. For those who are very good at their craft and go into private practice, they could charge up to $100 or more an hour, depending on their clientele.

The chances of finding massage therapy jobs are pretty good. The availability of jobs in this field is projected to grow substantially as more people seek out massage therapists because of the training they receive and the licensing requirements. The best places to start looking for jobs are the want ads, of course. Other places to look are your local unemployment office as they have job postings available there sometimes, and also a local job training center, if there is one.

Another resource for job hunting is online sites that specialize in job listings. You can also stop by some of the local fitness centers and doctors’ offices to inquire about job openings. Make sure your resume is current and you have listed all your certifications, formal training, years of experience, as well as any other information that pertains to the position. With the correct training and qualifications, massage therapy can prove to be a quite lucrative and rewarding career choice.