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Posted on: March 4, 2019

Although many people receive massages at spas or resorts, there is still not a lot of public knowledge surrounding this field. A recent survey conducted by Massage Table Now found that 88 percent of massage therapists were satisfied or very satisfied with their career choice. This study interviewed around 1,200 professionals currently working in the field. The researchers were surprised to realize how many happy therapists were included in the study. 

The ease of finding a job after students complete their education is one factor that contributed to such a positive response. The study found that 62% of massage therapists find a paid opportunity within one month of completing their education. Furthermore, 37.6% of these professionals are legally working as independent contractors or on a self-employed basis. Between 2016 and 2026, the field is expected to grow by 26%. 

The study conducted by Massage Table Now focused exclusively on massage therapists. While there are many other positions in the field, the report was more interested in the average experience of the licensed massage therapist. The data clearly indicates the overall happiness and sense of contentment that therapists have with their choice of career. This percentage seems quite high when taken into consideration the number of unwanted sexual advances that occur in this line of work. 

Almost two-thirds of all massage therapists have been the victim of unwanted sexual advances. Although clients are aware of the strictly professional conduct that occurs in a spa, some still willingly ignore this understood rule. In the same survey, it was found that 64% of women had experienced unwanted sexual behavior or advances from one or more of their clients. This alarming rate wasn't found to be exclusive to female massage therapists either. 56% of men surveyed also said they had been the recipient of unwanted sexual advances. These combined numbers mean that 63% of massage therapists overall experience this inappropriate conduct from their clients.

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