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Schedule a tour nowSelf Employment vs. Day Spa
Posted on: August 8, 2014
Graduating from massage school is only the first step in your career as a massage therapist. Now massage therapists must decide whether to work as a self-employed masseuse or as an employee at a spa.
Similarities
The main similarity between the two massage career options is that the fundamental work of providing a massage is exactly the same. Both options required you to provide good customer service and please clients. Both job options also require you to keep your training up to date and stay abreast of the latest developments in the massage industry. Additionally, working as an independent contractor is like being both self-employed and an employee. These individuals pay their own taxes, maintain their own training and in some cases set their own hours. However, the business or spa that they work for obtains the clients.
Differences
The biggest difference between a self-employed masseuse and an employee is that self-employed individuals must perform all aspects of the business themselves. These business tasks include finding clients, performing massages and paying taxes on the income. They must also obtain their own health insurance. A masseuse who is employed by a salon or spa does not have to advertise for clients. Additionally, they do not have to purchase massage supplies or equipment and often have access to a company health insurance policy as well as other benefits. Another main difference is that self-employed masseuses keep all of their profits and can raise their rates at will, allowing for a potentially greater income. Those working for a spa receive only a percentage of the income or in some cases a set salary.
