Ready for a career that gives you a flexible schedule, great working conditions and uncapped earning potential? Then massage therapy is for you. According to US News and World Reports, the demand for more therapists is projected to grow nearly 18.3% in the future.
This is the perfect time to get into a career that is not only booming but offers a set of advantages, that simply can’t be beaten. After completing a massage therapist program, you can look forward to a fulfilling and financially rewarding career ahead.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the unique benefits of a career in massage:
5 Benefits of a Career in Massage
A career in massage therapy can be incredibly rewarding for many reasons. Some of the benefits of pursuing a career in massage include:
1. Lots of Opportunities to Travel
With resorts and hotels offering onsite spa services to their guests that almost always include massage sessions, the opportunity for you to work in paradise is close at hand. From the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea to the historic villages of the European countryside, many luxury destinations need massage therapists to work with them. Some even offer packages that include room and board at the actual hotel or resort.
Massage therapists can also land dream jobs in cruise ships, at health retreats. Sports teams and performing artists, including theater companies and musicians also often hire a personal massage therapist to accompany them while on tour to keep them in top form. Truth be told, only a few other career options offer the same opportunities to travel as massage therapy.
2. Flexible Scheduling
Don’t like the idea of working 9-5? Like to have the ability to create your own schedule? Once again, a massage therapy career might be perfect for you. Massage therapists have the ability to manage their own schedules by booking clients at times that work for them or agreeing to hours in a spa.
This is because most massage therapists are their own bosses, a feature that sets massage therapy drastically apart from other careers in the field. Most successful massage therapists, in fact, juggle many different clients and gigs at the same time, and have more freedom to choose when they want to work than doctors, nurses or complementary health providers who must maintain office hours or a hospital schedule.
3. A Satisfying Job with Social Perks
Being a massage therapist allows you to connect with people and make meaningful connections that can enhance both your professional and personal life. Here is a shortlist of the most common clients for massage therapists:
- Athletes and sports fans
- Resorts and hotels
- Alternative health clinics
- Physical rehab centers
- Spas and wellness centers
- Executives and business professionals
By providing a relaxing and healing experience for people, you will find that massage therapy is a deeply satisfying job that can improve the clients’ life quality. Establishing regular clients is one of the keys to success as a massage therapist long-term.
4. Uncapped Income Potential
The possibilities to grow your income are really only limited by you. Most massage therapists begin their career in a clinic, spa or hotel setting at a set hourly rate. However, when you start getting regular private clients and enough experience to apply for higher-end gigs in luxury locations, your rates usually go up dramatically.
Continue to study and pick up new skills through our continuing education program in order to increase your marketable knowledge base. Many of the most successful massage therapists specialize in niche therapies that allow them to corner the market and demand higher price points for their services.
5. A Great Employment Outlook
The future of employment for massage therapists is bright. Alternative and complementary therapies continue to grow in popularity not just across the USA but around the world. Hence, the opportunities for massage therapists are at an all-time high.
Because one of our core aims here is to get you employed as soon as you graduate, our in-house Career Services Department also offers the following services:
- A weekly electronic Job Flash of current employer job postings
- On-Campus Career Fairs
- Resume assistance and reviews
- Mock interview sessions with Career Services staff and area recruiters
- Inspirational alumni profiles
- Licensure review sessions for MBLEX and NCLEX
The Bottom Line
A career in massage offers many benefits, including the opportunity to positively impact others’ well-being, flexible work schedules, and the potential for a fulfilling and rewarding profession. With the growing demand for skilled massage therapists, embarking on this career path can lead to a prosperous and fulfilling future.
Interested in a rewarding career in massage therapy? The American Institute of Alternative Medicine (AIAM) offers a 12-month massage therapy program for those interested in a rewarding career in massage therapy. This program provides a quicker path towards becoming a certified massage therapist compared to traditional university degrees or vocational certificates. Join us today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the main benefits of pursuing a career in massage therapy?
Massage therapy offers a fulfilling career where you can directly improve the well-being of others. It provides flexibility in terms of work settings, including spas, wellness centers, hospitals, and even self-employment opportunities.
There’s potential for a steady income, with the option to increase earnings through specialization, experience, and building a loyal client base.
What kind of training is required to become a massage therapist?
Requirements vary by location but typically involve completing attending a massage therpay school, get involved in a certified massage therapy program, which can last several months to two years. Many states or countries require passing a licensing exam to practice professionally.
What are the prospects for job growth and demand in the massage therapy field?
The demand for massage therapists is expected to grow as more people recognize the health benefits of massage and seek alternative therapies for stress relief and pain management. With an aging population and increased interest in holistic health practices, the outlook for job opportunities is generally favorable.
How does massage therapy contribute to personal well-being and work-life balance?
As a massage therapist, you can be personally rewarding by helping others relax, reduce pain, and improve their overall health. Many massage therapists enjoy a flexible schedule, allowing for a better work-life balance and the ability to pursue other interests or commitments.
Are there opportunities for career advancement or specialization in massage therapy?
Yes, there are various avenues for career advancement, such as becoming a specialized therapist in sports, prenatal, or medical massage. Some massage therapists advance their careers by opening their own practice, teaching, or pursuing further education in related fields like physical therapy or chiropractic care.
What are the physical and mental demands of a career in massage therapy?
Massage therapy can be physically demanding, requiring therapists to stand for long periods and exert pressure through repetitive motions. Practicing self-care, including regular exercise, stretching, and receiving hand massages yourself, is essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being in this profession.