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Schedule a tour nowWhat's the Current Job Market for Massage Professionals Like?
Posted on: March 25, 2014
Finishing up school and becoming a massage therapist is a great way to earn your living and also enjoy what you do. Many massage therapists throughout the field are very successful in their careers. One of the best things about this career choice is that you are not limited to only one area and can train and also continue your education to expand your skills and offer more to clients. Whether you are thinking about working independently or working at a spa, the biggest question that you are probably asking is what the job market is like. This article will help give you an idea and then you can approach your career well informed.
Massage Therapy Career Statistics
The massage therapy industry has recently seen an increase of 3% in the number of jobs available. The job growth rate is expected to climb over the next few years with an increase of 19% from 2008 to 2018. This career choice is considered among one of the fastest growing careers available and is a great career to get into.
Sole proprietors are actually on the rise and they make up most of the job market for massage therapists. 50% of them work from their home, in a client’s home, or in a client’s office facility. The other 50% or so is divided up between the spa, 29%, and 29% in a medical/healthcare facility.
Depending on the state you live in and your experience level, you can make a nice salary working as a massage therapist. Often times, working for yourself will yield more income because you can schedule your own hours, have a second career choice, and also earn more because you charge what you want.
Pros and Cons
There are both pros and cons to working as an independent contractor and working for a spa. Depending on the type of freedom you want, you may enjoy working for yourself as opposed to a business where there are scheduled hours. If you are someone who enjoys job security, you will have more job security in a facility over being a contractor.
The massage industry caters to both independent contractors and also spa facilities. Both of them are great options and they have their own pluses and minuses. When you are searching for a career, you will want to weigh all of the benefits and negatives first and then see which option fits best into your lifestyle.
Where To Work
Consider thinking about whether you want to go to a client’s home or place of employment or if you want them to come to you. Consider whether you want to work on the weekends, when you want, or on varying shifts. All of this plays into the best career choice for you.
The job outlook for massage therapists is great and it continues to grow. As people continue to be stressed and need relief from the stress, treatment for injuries, and relaxation, the massage industry will always be around.
