Working as a Sports Massage Therapist

Working as a sports massage therapist is a rewarding career, as it involves bringing relief to athletes who are suffering pain due to an injury or muscle strain. Sports massage therapists help athletes repair and recover from injuries so that they can continue in their training. Working as a sports massage therapist brings many benefits, including a flexible schedule and good compensation.

Education

After completing high school, an accredited course at sports massage college or school must be completed in order to become a sports massage therapist. These schools teach effective sports massage techniques designed to help the athlete, instead of causing further damage. After completing the training program with a passing grade, you will receive a diploma. Then, you will need to find out what local requirements are in order to obtain your license. Once you’ve become legally licensed, you can begin your exciting career as a sports massage therapist.

Employment

Many employment opportunities exist for sports massage therapists. Spas, health clubs and sports medicine clinics are often looking for qualified massage therapists. Many sports massage therapists decide to set up their own massage studio. This is often advantageous, as earnings may be considerably higher when working independently.

Earnings

The average sports massage therapist made $39,770 per year in 2010. This averages out to $19.12 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statics. Massage therapists who work independently charge an average of $60 an hour for their services. They also have the flexibility to set their own.

To learn more about a career as a sports massage therapist, contact the Space Coast Health Institute at 321-308-8000.